As the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference approaches, sister teams Akari and Nxled are eager to showcase their respective visions and renewed strategies. Despite their different approaches, both teams share a common goal: to rise in the league standings and make a mark in the upcoming season.
Known for her high-scoring plays, Okaro was a pivotal force in Akari’s breakthrough run, where the team nearly clinched the championship. Head coach Taka Minowa is aware of the challenge ahead, emphasizing that the team must now learn to rely on collective strength.
“Actually, everything is back to zero,” said Minowa, as his team prepares for the six-month-long tournament firing off this Saturday (Nov. 9) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
“We don’t have an import now, so we need to play as a team. This is our challenge for this conference. Without the import, we haven’t yet shown how to play as a team,” added Minowa.
Team captain Michelle Cobb echoes this sentiment, noting that while the previous Finals appearance instilled confidence, the journey is far from over.
“Syempre kumpyansa po kasi parang sort of historical moment din yung (Finals appearance) for Akari so magiging magandang headstart siya for us but at the same time, volleyball naman kasi unending pagpapatunay yan kahit ano nang napatunayan mo hindi siya nag-i-stop don,” said Cobb.
“Gusto rin syempre naming mapatunayan na kahit kami-kami lang with the same coaches and roster, kaya pa rin namin makipaglaban sa ttop four,” she added.
The Chargers will also welcome back wing spiker Faith Nisperos and middle blocker Fifi Sharma, who missed the previous conference due to commitments with Alas Pilipinas. Both players expressed excitement to be back, inspired by their teammates' recent success.
“It's also an added motivation because seeing that they can perform at that level. Nakaka-excite siya, Actually, nung nanonood kami ni Faith parang nakakainggit kasi gusto talaga namin maglaro,” shared Sharma and Nisperos. 
Meanwhile, the Nxled Chameleons have focused on rebuilding after a challenging 1-7 performance in the last conference. To revamp their strategy, they enlisted Italian coach Ettore Guidetti, who brings a diverse set of coaching philosophies drawn from Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese and Italian systems.
Acknowledging Nxled’s underdog status, Guidetti aims to turn it into an advantage.
“Our goal is to improve, knowing that a lot of teams have also strengthened. We’re approaching the conference with courage and humility, knowing we’re not yet among the top teams,” he said.
Guidetti has been with the Chameleons for two months and feels optimistic about their progress as they gear up against the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Nov. 12 in the second elims playdate of the tournament supported by Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances, Milcu, Watsons, iColor & Argan Beauty, Tapa King, Sport Radar and Mikasa.
“The players are open-minded to my system, which blends styles from previous coaches. This mix is what we Italians do best – collect the best methods and adapt them. Now, it’s time to prove our work,” said Guidetti, who took over from former coach Chen Gang.
