MANILA, Philippines — ITALIAN Angiolino Frigoni will be debuting as Alas Pilipinas men's head coach in the first leg of SEA VLeague beginning on August 16 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Alas Pilipinas will be meeting Vietnam first on Friday opener at 6pm after the game between Indonesia and Thailand at 3 pm. The Philippines is set to meet Indonesia the next day at same time and venue before concluding first leg with a match against Thailand also at 6pm.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), headed by President Ramon Tats Suzara expects Alas Pilipinas men's team to showcase quality competitions among fellow Southeast Asian nations in the single round robin three-day tournament.

"Playing against quality teams in Southeast Asia is a great test for our Philippine men's team with new men's coach Angiolino Frigoni," Suzara said, noting that Frigoni and Alas Pilipinas will start their buildup for the nation's hosting of the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship next year.

"We are excited to see our team compete."

Bryan Bagunas, Josh Ybañez, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Jade Lex Disquitado, Kim Malabunga, Noel Kampton, Gabriel Casaña, Ave Joshua Retamar, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Jenngerard Diao, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Michaelo Buddin are the players of Alas Pilipinas.

The 70-year-old mentor is a two-time Olympian head coach for the Italian women's team in 1992 Barcelona and 2000 Sydney games. He was formally named by the PNVF last June after being recommended by the FIVB last year.

The coaching staff of Frigoni are Dante Alinsunurin, Matteo Antonucci, Odjie Mamon, trainer Dexter Clamor, physiotherapist Yuichi Akaba and team manager Jerome Guhit.

In other games, Vietnam meets Thailand on Saturday at 3pm and Indonesia on Sunday at same time.

The men's second leg is set in Indonesia, which details will still be announced soon. TMT

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