Newly installed Philippine men’s volleyball squad head coach Sergio Veloso is excited to map out his plan for the spikers in the 32nd Cambodia Southeast Asian Games on May 5 to 17 as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) aims for improvement in the biennial meet.

Just two days after arriving in Manila, the former Maldives national coach believes the Filipinos have the full capability to excel in the sport although he is still in the process of evaluating the players of the 18-man national pool.

“The target should be win, win and win and fight for the medal or fight for the gold,” the 57-year-old Brazilian told reporters in a news conference organized by the PNVF on Saturday, March 18, at the Golden Bay Restaurant in Pasay City, where it also introduced three new Filipino-Americans.

“It’s a one set a time for us, and I believe they have the capability to win as a unit.”

Veloso was introduced by the PNVF together with Filipino-Americans 6-foot-3 Michael Raymund Vicente, 6-foot-5 Steven Rotter and 6-foot-6 Cyrus De Guzman, who will be joining the 15-man national pool assembled earlier by coach Arthur Ojie Mamon.

“I have to see the players play and train together first and I will inform the association before making any decision. I have to see their response,” Veloso said. “I met the players yesterday and coach Odjie Mamon. I am sure they are big help.”

Veloso added that the national men’s pool will be having a two-week training camp in Osaka, Japan beginning April 3 to 20 to hone their skills and familiarity prior to the SEA Games.

“That’s our target to play some games there against club teams,” he added.

PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara expressed excitement and hope to the new Philippine men’s volleyball team, which is hoping to improve its last year’s fifth place finish in the Hanoi, Vietnam games in May.

“The arrival of the three Filipino-Americans and coach Sergio [Veloso] is very promising especially in Cambodia,” Suzara said, who also thanked Foton for donating a van to the association. “We are very thankful to the blessings and the support from Foton.”

“We are thankful for the opportunity given by the PNVF,” said De Guzman, one of the players sent by the Fil-Am Nation headed by Christian Gopez. “We will do our best each game and make the country proud.”