By NIKOLE JAVIER
Dante Alinsunurin will no longer be calling the shots for the Philippine men’s volleyball team, he confirmed during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) press conference on Saturday, Jan. 28.
The champion coach has been informed about the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) decision to relieve him of his national duties as his other commitments as head tactician of Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL and National University Bulldogs in the UAAP might coincide with it.
“As of now, nakausap ko ‘yong team manager namin. Bale, binaba na nila ako dahil sa sitwasyon. Kaya ngayon ang hinahawakan ko na lang is iyong NU (men’s volleyball team) saka Choco Mucho,” said Alinsunurin.
“Sabi ko naman kaya ko naman kaya lang medyo na rin sila iyong PNVF na palitan na rin siguro ako. Pero wala pa akong nare-receive na letter na wala na ako sa national team. Basta more on team manager lang iyong kausap ko.”
Since his appointment in 2019, Alinsunurin has brought the Philippines to a silver medal finish in the 30th Southeast Asian Games and has also had great success in his collegiate stint with two titles.
With the development, Alinsunurin’s position will be assumed by UST head coach Odjie Mamon on an interim arrangement as the team prepares for the upcoming 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia this May.
However, Brazilian Sergio Veloso will be the taking over the coaching reign after the regional tilt which will be followed by the Asian Games in September.