Petro Gazz faces a major shake-up as head coach Koji Tsuzurabara departs just three months after leading the Angels to their first-ever PVL All-Filipino Conference title.
Petro Gazz is heading in a new direction following the surprising departure of Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, the mentor who steered the Angels to their first-ever PVL All-Filipino Conference title just three months ago.
The Angels confirmed Tsuzurabara's departure in a social media post published Friday.
"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 wrote.
Tsuzurabara confirmed the development on his Facebook account on Thursday, posting photos of the team and writing:
“Thank you all. I am proud to have been PGA coach.”
Tsuzurabara took the reins in 2024 after Timmy Sto. Tomas stepped down, leading Petro Gazz to a bronze finish in last year’s All-Filipino Conference.
After a sixth-place showing in the Reinforced Conference, the Japanese tactician masterminded a stunning bounce-back, guiding the Angels to the AFC crown at the expense of the Creamline Cool Smashers.
The victory was fueled by the explosive duo of two-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips, cementing Tsuzurabara’s reputation as one of the league’s top coaches.
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Petro Gazz also enjoyed success under Tsuzurabara in other competitions, winning the PNVF Champions League title in 2024.
However, the Angels have struggled in the ongoing PVL On Tour with Van Sickle and Phillips on Alas Pilipinas duty, dropping three of their first four matches in Pool A and missing a chance for an outright quarterfinal berth. PLDT and Nxled currently lead the group with unbeaten 3-0 slates.
"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," the Angels added.
"We wish you all the best in your future endeavors."
Petro Gazz will wrap up its preliminary round campaign against Choco Mucho (1-3) in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, as the franchise begins to navigate life without the coach who brought it to the PVL mountaintop.