Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara expressed his appreciation for fellow Japanese coach Taka Minowa of Akari after their recent clash in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals.
Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara had nothing but praise for fellow Japanese tactician Taka Minowa and the Akari Chargers following their semifinal clash in the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Angels advanced to the Finals after eliminating the Chargers in straight sets, 25-22, 25-20, 25-18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Thursday, April 3.
“I appreciate Akari under Coach Taka [Minowa]. Coach Taka is my good friend. Taka’s a good coach also,” said Tsuzurabara. “We always discuss with Coach Taka all about Philippine volleyball.”
While the match ended dominantly for Petro Gazz, Tsuzurabara emphasized that the moment was bigger than just volleyball.
For him, it was proof of the mutual respect between two foreign coaches and their purpose of further growing the sport in the Philippines.
Both Minowa and Tsuzurabara have made significant impact since arriving in the PVL.
Under Minowa’s guidance, Akari reached its first-ever Finals appearance in the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
Petro Gazz, meanwhile, has remained a consistent contender, now advancing to its sixth Finals since 2019.
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Their coaching philosophies, rooted in discipline, technical precision, and team unity, have visibly improved the level of play in their respective teams—offering Filipino fans a glimpse of Japanese volleyball through a local lens.
“[We know that] we have to contribute to Philippine volleyball. Today, we’re happy to get a game with two Japanese coaches,” said Tsuzurabara.