The Petro Gazz Angels were given extra fuel courtesy of coach Koji Tsuzurabara prior to their match against the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Make it seven in a row for the Petro Gazz Angels in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Fresh off their clean sweep of the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-19, 25-18, 25-9, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, the Angels have looked dominant as of late, cementing themselves as one of the top contenders in the league.
More than their firepower, Petro Gazz has continued to improve its team chemistry throughout the extended conference.
The secret behind it? Setter Djanel Cheng jokingly said it was because of coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s pre-game treats for the team.
“Siguro mas open communication lang kami ngayon. Like, pag may nakita kami agad na problem pag-uusapan agad ‘yun, hindi puwedeng ipagpa-bukas,” Cheng said during the post-game press conference.
“Tsaka siguro ‘yung donut. Every game nag-buy siya ng donut,” she laughingly added.
Team captain Remy Palma likewise detailed how Tsuzurabara has adopted the Filipino culture as of late.
In January, the Japanese tactician treated his team to ice cream and donuts, which he jokingly said fueled their victory over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
“Nung una talaga, somehow ayaw niya ‘yung culture namin pag-training or game, kumakain kami. Ngayon siguro na-adapt na niya ‘yung culture,” Palma shared.
“Nagulat din kami, nagdala na siya ng pagkain—donut o kung ano man. So, sabi namin parang ilang percent Pilipino na rin si coach. Siya rin nalo-love niya ‘yung culture na meron tayo.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Remy Palma admits Petro Gazz still adjusting to coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s system]
For Tsuzurabara, if his pre-game treats, whether healthy or not, continue to lead the Angels to victories, then so be it.
“[They are] happy to eat, and so they will do their best,” said Tsuzurabara.
“I had new direction [new perspective]. Do not stop the hamburger, chocolate, donut, anything. [I used] to think that it should stop. Everyone can change their mind or heart [and] so can I. [Anything] that can improve their performance,” he added.
Petro Gazz will seek its eighth straight win against the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Saturday, February 15 at the Ynares Center Antipolo.