Sergio Veloso mentioned key players who could be crucial in bringing out the Philippine men's national volleyball team's potential in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.
“Very, very good opportunity.”
This was how the Philippine men’s national volleyball team head coach Sergio Veloso reacted after hearing the news the country secured hosting rights for the FIVB Men's World Championship, which would begin on September 12, 2025.
It effectively meant the country secured a slot among the 32 countries in the competition.
[ALSO READ: FIVB picks Philippines as solo host of 2025 Volleyball Men’s World Championship]
“When I started [building] my national team, I saw a little bit of a situation. Like we had the SEA Games last year, on the same day of the SEA Games, we had the finals [in UAAP Season 85] here. And in the national team, we did not have the best players,” recalled coach Veloso.
He highlighted the importance of synergy for all the leaders of Philippine volleyball in building a solid foundation for the men’s national squad.
“If we only stand, not only as coach[es], not only as managers, but everybody who works in volleyball, what holds the most importance,” coach Veloso emphasized.
Coach Sergio likewise mentioned that he believes the country has a great potential... as long as they assemble the best players.
“When you look [at Marck] Espejo, [Bryan] Bagunas, they can play. When you look at the players, they have a very good potential. You need to work together, not only on the national team staff but [the] whole volleyball [community],” said coach Veloso.
The tactician also knows perfectly well how much pressure there is for him to deliver in the biggest volleyball stage.
The country's best finish in recent memory is the silver medal earned during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, which was also held in the Philippines.
“It is a big responsibility. I am happy with the situation, but I have pressure on the players, as they need to show our fans [their] best [performance]. No matter the score, no matter if we win 3-0, you need to do our best because the Philippine flag is the most important,” added coach Veloso.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo, One Sports Digital)