Petro Gazz taps Japanese as new coach

MANILA, Philippines -- The Petro Gazz Angels have named a new coach in Japanese mentor Koji Tsuzurabara.

The team announced Tsuzurabara’s signing Sunday.

He will be replacing head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.

“Our new driving force and guiding light has come aboard!” Petro Gazz said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

“We are ready and excited as you steer us to new heights as our head coach. Welcome to the Angels family, Coach Koji Tsuzurabara!” it added.

The Japanese coach earlier coached the Chinese Taipei women’s volleyball team.

He also previously coached national teams in Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar.

The new coach was announced a day after the team bared the signing of Brooke Van Sickle.

This preseason, the Angels lost key cogs Grethcel Soltones, Des Clemente, Heather Guino-o and Dzi Gervacio.

However, they gained Myla Pablo, Mich Morente, Joy Dacoron and Ethan Arce.

The upcoming PVL All-Filipino Conference is set to start on February 20.