Alas Pilipinas coach Veloso says men's team to leave for Bahrain on May 29 for AVC tilt

The Alas Pilipinas Men's volleyball team is set to leave the country on May 29 to fly to Bahrain, which will host the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men in Isa Town from June 2 to 9.

Alas head coach Sergio Veloso shared the news on Sunday as they prepare for the prestigious event that will serve as a qualifier for the 2024 FIVB Men's Challenger Cup.

"The national team starts to practice this week and we travel on [the] 29th," Veloso said after witnessing the NCAA Season 99 men's volleyball Finals Game 1 between Perpetual and EAC.

Veloso admitted that the national squad has a little time to gear up for the Challenge Cup, but stressed they will use this opportunity to know each other more and improve as their ultimate goal is to be competitive once the Philippines hosts the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.

The Philippines is grouped in Pool A together with host Bahrain, which claimed the silver in last year's edition in Chinese Taipei, and powerhouse China, who is coming off a silver medal run in the recent Asian Games. 

Pool B, on the other hand, features Thailand, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan, while Pool C has Indonesia, South Korea, and Qatar. Pool D parades Vietnam, Australia, and Chinese Taipei. 

"We have a short time to prepare for the AVC Challenge Cup. Our pool is so strong, we play with Bahrain, which is a strong team. But it doesn’t matter if we win or not, because the most important is how we can improve in these opportunities," the Brazilian tactician said. 

"When you play with the best teams in the world, you can use these opportunities. For this season, we need to play maximum matches and use this opportunity to improve."

Alas has already announced its 21-man pool that banners the tandem of Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo alongside Nico Almendras, Joseph Bello, JP Bugaoan, Mark Calado, Choi Diao, Jade Disquitiado, Menard Guerrero, Lloyd Josefat, Noel Kampton, Vince Lorenzo, Kim Malabunga, Leo Ordiales, Joshua Retamar, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Joshua Umandal, Sherwin Umandal, Adrian Villados, and Josh Ybañez. 

Reigning NCAA MVP Louie Ramirez of Perpetual, according to Veloso, remains unclear whether he can join the squad as the ALTAs are still in the middle of their title retention bid. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News