Brazilian coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito can finally join the Philippine women’s volleyball team training in Ilocos Norte after securing his visa three days ago.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Tats Suzara disclosed Wednesday, July 7, that the Department of Foreign Affairs through officer-in-charge Senen Mangalilie has authorized the Philippine Embassy in Brazil to issue Souza de Brito’s visa.
It took a while for Souza de Brito to secure a Philippine visa due to protocol issues concerning the entry of foreigners to the country due to the pandemic.
PNVF has also secured an exemption from the temporary suspension of visa issuance for Thai coach Tai Bundit, who will be one of Souza de Brito’s assistants.
Souza de Brito is expected to work with national women’s team coach Odjie Mamon for the next two years to strengthen the squad in future tournaments particularly in the upcoming 21st Asian Seniors Women’s Volleyball Championships that the country is hosting next month, and barring postponement, the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam late November.
Souza de Brito boasts of vast experience as a coach for several club teams in the top-tier Brazilian league.