Koji Tsuzurabara urged Farm Fresh to change its mindset, stressing that mentality will determine whether the Foxies can break into the Top 4 in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Koji Tsuzurabara was far from satisfied despite Farm Fresh's extending its winning run in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Foxies powered past the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 25-14, 25-18, 25-18, to secure back-to-back wins after a 0-2 start at the FilOil Centre in San Juan Saturday, Feb. 21.
Yet, even after the clean sweep, Tsuzurabara stressed that performance alone will not be enough if Farm Fresh, currently ranked fifth in the standings, wants to crack the league's top tier.
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"[It] was a good game," Tsuzurabara said during the post-game press conference.
"But I have a request for the players: They need more stoic play. Change their mind, change their character."
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For Tsuzurabara, mindset remains the line separating teams ranked fifth to eighth from the true contenders.
"If they can't change their mind, it’s impossible to be in the top four," he said.
"Top four. Number four from five, six, seven, eight — there's a big difference."
From potential to action
Farm Fresh tried to respond to the Japanese tactician’s call.
Farm Fresh coach Koji Tsuzurabara instructs from the sidelines. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Trisha Tubu paced the Foxies with a game-high 16 points, while Jolina Dela Cruz chipped in 13 markers.
The Foxies also limited their errors to just six as compared to ZUS Coffee’s 18.
"I think 'yung mga itinuturo rin ni coach Koji: change your mind and 'yong character din ng Farm Fresh," said Dela Cruz.
"Lagi na lang potential, so 'yon ang sinasabi niyang baguhin namin: 'yong attitude namin sa loob."
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Dela Cruz added that Tsuzurabara's intensity is rooted in accountability and attention to detail.
"We understand why he gets mad kapag nagku-commit kami ng small mistakes na hindi dapat," she said.
"Hindi niya kami tinitigilan sa training, and talagang nakakatulong 'yon sa amin."
The work continues for Farm Fresh as it hunts for their third-straight win against the Bella Belen-led Capital1 Tuesday, Feb. 24.
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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.