Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara is back in the PVL, joining former Chery Tiggo head coach Kungfu Reyes as the latest additions for Strong Group Athletics.
Japanese tactician Koji Tsuzurabara is officially back in the PVL coaching ranks, joining Strong Group Athletics ahead of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, the team announced Friday, January 9.
Tsuzurabara’s return to the league marks a new chapter for the SGA stable, which has tested several coaching directions in recent seasons.
Recently, the Foxies were led by Italian mentor Alessandro Lodi, who took the helm in May 2025 following a 10th-place finish under interim coach Benson Bocboc.
Lodi, a seasoned coach with experience across Europe and Asia, steered Farm Fresh to a top-seeded finish in the Reinforced Conference before parting ways with the club in December 2025.
[ALSO READ: Alessandro Lodi reflects on ‘pretty unique’ Farm Fresh stint after PVL exit]
Before his return with SGA, Tsuzurabara enjoyed notable success in the PVL with the Petro Gazz Angels, where he served as head coach beginning in 2024.
During his tenure with the Angels, he guided the team to the 2024 PNVF Champions League and the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference title, marking Petro Gazz’s first-ever championship in the league’s flagship conference.
[ALSO READ: Petro Gazz parts ways with coach Koji Tsuzurabara months after historic PVL All-Filipino title]
A well-traveled coach with experience leading club programs and national teams across the Asia-Pacific region, Tsuzurabara’s PVL return is expected to bring tactical maturity and disciplined systems to the Foxies.
Joining the Japanese coach is Kungfu Reyes, who will be an assistant coach after Chery Tiggo's disbandment from the league.
Tsuzurabara and Reyes' arrival comes as the SGA stable looks to build on loaded offseason reinforcements and make a statement in the highly competitive All-Filipino tilt.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.