Duterte to grace World Club volley

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte has confirmed his attendance in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship set  Oct. 18-23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Sen. Peter Alan Cayetano, honorary chairman of the prestigious volleyball event, has confirmed the President’s acceptance of the invitation last Friday.

“The President said he’s coming to watch either the opening day or the final match. It only depends on his schedule because of an upcoming foreign trip,” said Cayetano.

Duterte was a big hit among the fans when he graced the opening of the recent FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament at the MOA Arena.

Members of the PSL-F2 Logistics Pilipinas squad, including seven foreign players, were presented to the public during a formal affair at SM Aura the other night.

The players came in their best form, in colorful dresses and in heels, making the presentation look like a beauty pageant.

To lead the PSL-F2 Logistics Pilipinas are Tichaya Boonlert of Thailand, Yuri Fukuda of Japan, Stephanie Niemer and Lindsay Stalzer of the United States, Ekaterina Krivets of Russia, Yevgeniya Nyukhalova of Ukraine and Lynda Morales of Puerto Rico.

The locals will be bannered by Rachel Anne Daquis of RC Cola-Army, Jovelyn Gonzaga of RC Cola-Army, Jen Reyes and Frances Molina of Petron, Kim Fajardo and Mika Reyes of F2 Logistics and Jaja Santiago of Foton.

They will face powerhouse teams like Hisamitsu Springs Kobe of Japan, Bangkok Glass of Thailand, Rexona-SESC Rio of Brazil, Volero Zurich of Switzerland, Pomi Casalmaggiore of Italy and Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul and VakifBank Istanbul of Turkey.

Serbian Moro Branislav will serve as head coach and will be assisted by Shun Takahashi of Japan.

Branislav acknowledged the challenge they are facing in the world’s toughest club championships, and can only offer a smile when asked if PSL-F2 Logistics Pilipinas can win the crown.

“We will see,” he said.

Friday’s affair was also graced by PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico, president Ramon Suzara, F2 Logistics CEO Efren Uy and event court manager Siegbert Brutschin.

A memorandum of agreement was also signed, making F2 Logistics as the brand that will be carried with the hometown squad.

Suzara said he hoped that the crowd will come to support the PSL-F2 Logistics squad.