NEW COACH. Italian Angiolino Frigoni (2nd from left) in a huddle with the Alas Pilipinas men's team in this undated photo. He will debut as team head coach in the first leg of the SEA V. League on August 16-18 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Italian Angiolino Frigoni will make his debut as head coach of the Alas Pilipinas men’s team in the first leg of the SEA V. League on August 16-18 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
The Philippines and Vietnam will meet at 6 p.m. on Friday after the game between Indonesia and Thailand at 3 p.m.
On Saturday, the Philippines will battle Indonesia at 6 p.m. and Vietnam will take on Thailand at 3 p.m. while Sunday's matches feature the Philippines against Thailand at 6 p.m. and Vietnam against Indonesia at 3 p.m.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon "Tats" Suzara expects Alas Pilipinas to perform well in the single round-robin three-day tournament.
“Playing against quality teams in Southeast Asia is a great test for our Philippine men’s team with new men’s coach Angiolino Frigoni. We are excited to see our team compete,” said Suzara on Monday.
Suzara also mentioned that Frigoni and Alas Pilipinas will start their preparation for the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship which the country will host next year.
The Alas Pilipinas squad is composed of Bryan Bagunas, Josh Ybañez, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Jade Lex Disquitado, Kim Malabunga, Noel Kampton, Gabriel Casaña, Ave Joshua Retamar, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Jenngerard Diao, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Michaelo Buddin.
Frigoni, 70, coached the Italian women’s team in the Barcelona (1992) and Sydney (2000) Olympics. The International Volleyball Federation recommended him to the PNVF last year.
Assisting Frigoni in the Philippine team are Dante Alinsunurin, Matteo Antonucci, Odjie Mamon, trainer Dexter Clamor, physiotherapist Yuichi Akaba and team manager Jerome Guhit. (PNA)
