Marañon, Mau boost Team Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Spanish-born striker Bienvenido Marañon and Fil-Am volleybelle Kalei Mau are two prized athletes that can now don the national colors in international meets.

Marañon was granted Philippine citizenship as President Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11570 last July 2, setting things in motion for his eventual stint with the Azkals.

Mau, meanwhile, has got a green light from the International Volleyball Federation to join the Philippine volleyball team.

“Ako ay Pilipino,” Marañon posted on Facebook from Tashkent, where he and Philippine club United City FC are competing in the AFC Champions League.

Marañon was batchmates with Ivorian-born basketball player Ange Kouame during the naturalization process. – Joey Villar, Christina Mendez