Courtesy: pvl.ph
KOJI Tsuzurabara has officially stepped down as head coach of the Petro Gazz Angels, with the Japanese tactician returning to his home country to be closer to his family.
The announcement was made Friday afternoon through the team’s official Facebook page.
Tsuzurabara’s departure comes just months after he guided the Angels to their first-ever Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference title, capping off a remarkable two-season run with the franchise.
“Coach Koji, as you return home to Japan to be with your family, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your decision to pursue new opportunities in your continuing volleyball journey is acknowledged with deep respect. Thank you for the time and dedication you have shared with us,” the team said in its farewell statement.
“You have been more than just a coach—you have been a mentor, a teacher, and a true inspiration. We are especially grateful for the legacy you leave behind, having led us to our first-ever All-Filipino Championship in the PVL. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”
Tsuzurabara’s impact was immediate upon taking the Petro Gazz reins.
In his debut conference during the 2023 PVL All-Filipino tilt, he led the squad to a bronze-medal finish.
Although the team faltered later that year in the Reinforced Conference—falling to sixth place and missing the podium—he bounced back in dominant fashion in 2024.
The 60-year-old strategist engineered a breakthrough campaign in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, masterminding an upset over the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers in the finals.
The championship victory not only etched his name into franchise history but also solidified his legacy in the PVL.
Most recently, Tsuzurabara was at the helm of Petro Gazz during the early stretch of the ongoing PVL On Tour, where the team registered a 1-3 record through four games while missing key players Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips—both of whom are committed to national team duties with Alas Pilipinas.
With Tsuzurabara’s departure, the search is on once again for the Angels’ next leader on the sidelines.
