Thai star set for Generika-Ayala debut; F2's Stalzer good to go

MANILA, Philippines – Kanjana Kuthaisong is set to see action when Generika-Ayala battles Cignal in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix late Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

League sources revealed that the Thai star already cleared all the hurdles and other requirements, making her available to play when the Lifesavers shoot for their first victory against the HD Spikers.

The source said her international transfer certificate (ITC) had already been processed as well as that of Lindsay Stalzer, who will also make her debut when F2 Logistics clashes with United VC in the first game of the explosive triple-header.

Compared to imports the Americas, Africa and Europe, the ITC of an Asian import like Kuthaisong is easier to process as it falls on the jurisdiction of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

On Stalzer’s case, her release was also smooth as she is fresh from a tournament in an Asian country — Indonesia.

Both Kuthaisong and Stalzer arrived last Sunday.

“Everything had been taken care of and both Kanjana and Lindsay are eligible to play today,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity for lack of authority to reveal internal matters.

Generika-Ayala head coach Sherwin Meneses was elated over this development as well as his reunion with the hard-hitting Kuthaisong, whom he mentored in the Shakey’s V-League couple of years ago.

“It’s good that she just came from Thailand and played for us before. At least the adjustment period won’t be longer,” said Meneses, who had to replace Brazilian Nikolle del Rio following her ankle injury in their first game against Sta. Lucia.

“It’s sad that del Rio got injured and we lost three straight with only one import. We need to fix this problem as soon as possible so we decided to call on a new import.”

On her part, Stalzer is tipped to hit the ground running as she’s said to be in great shape and is already familiar with the Filipinos’ brand of play.  

In fact, the three-time champion who suited up for Cignal, Foton and Petron in the past buckled down to training right away in anticipation for an all-out war against UVC, which is powered by NCAA standouts Kalei Mau, Aloha Robbins-Hardy, Yaasmeen Bedart-Ghani and Tai Manu-Olevao.

“She’s ready,” said F2 Logistics’ team manager Hollie Reyes, adding that Stalzer’s arrival is just in time for their highly-awaited battle against Petron on March 7.

“With Lindsay finally on board, we can now compete as a complete team.”