Petro Gazz Angels coach Koji Tsuzurabara. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Petro Gazz wished Japanese Koji Tsuzurabara all the best after the coach decided “to pursue new opportunities.”
Days after Tsuzurabara bid the team farewell, Petro Gazz expressed its gratitude to the Japanese mentor, who steered the franchise to its first-ever PVL All-Filipino title.
READ: PVL: Coach Koji Tsuzurabara, Petro Gazz part ways
The team said their Tsuzurabara has gone home to Japan.
“Coach Koji, as you return home to Japan to be with your family, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your decision to pursue new opportunities in your continuing volleyball journey is acknowledged with deep respect,” Petro Gazz wrote.
“Thank you for the time and dedication you have shared with us. You have been more than just a coach, you have been a mentor, a teacher, and a true inspiration.”
Tsuzurabara led the squad, powered by Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, and MJ Phillips, to a breakthrough All-Filipino title after beating Creamline in a winner-take-all Finals Game 3.
“We are especially grateful for the legacy you leave behind, having led us to our first-ever All-Filipino Championship in the PVL.
We wish you all the best in your future endeavors,” the Angels said.
The 60-year-old coach took the reins of Petro Gazz as coach in 2024. He helped the team win the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League and steered the team to a bronze medal in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference.
The Angeles, though, missed out on a ‘three-peat’ in the Reinforced Conference with a quarterfinal exit.
Petro Gazz has yet to announce Tsuzurabara’s replacement amid the ongoing PVL on Tour, where it lost three of its four matches in Pool A without Alas Pilipinas players Van Sickle and Phillips.
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The Angels wrap up the pool stage in Candon City against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday.