Thai teams plan to tap PSL stars

MANILA, Philippines - At least four Philippine Superliga (PSL) stars are strongly being considered as guest players by various Thai ballclubs when they compete in the Thai-Denmark Super League in March.

PSL president Ramon Suzara yesterday confirmed reports that Jaja Santiago of Foton, Kim Fajardo and Aby Maraño of F2 Logistics and Jovelyn Gonzaga of RC Cola-Army are being eyed by Thai clubs to reinforce them in the week-long tourney.

Suzara said some ranking Thailand Volleyball Association executives have reached out to him to inquire about the Superliga players’ availability during the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) meeting in Bangkok last week.

According to Suzara, the players will have to clear their local commitments if they would be interested in playing overseas.

He said Santiago and Fajardo are not likely to be available for the duration, while Gonzaga is unsure as she is set to undergo eight-month military training at the Training and Doctrine Center of the Philippine Army in Capas, Tarlac.

Maraño, the league’s 1st Best Middle Blocker for three straight conferences, would be the only player available, but Suzara said he could still refer additional players depending on the needs of the Thai ballclubs.

 “This is because of our very good relationship with our Thai counterparts,” said Suzara, a ranking AVC official who enjoys a good working relationship with AVC secretary general Shanrit Wongprasert, the father of Thailand volleyball.