Akari Chargers’ coach Taka Minowa, husband of Jaja Santiago, teaching within the PVL Bolstered Convention. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines — Akari coach Taka Minowa vows to help spouse Jaja Santiago, now often known as Sachi, each step of the best way as her switch to the volleyball federation follows after buying Japanese citizenship.
Minowa, who went to the PVL final yr signing with Nxled earlier than transferring to sister crew Akari this Bolstered Convention, is grateful that his spouse has taken a giant step towards her final purpose of taking part in the Japanese nationwide crew within the Olympics.
“Truly, that’s the household’s dream. Earlier than we already promised if ever wished to [undergo] naturalization. I’ll simply help that’s why I’m additionally staying in Asian international locations solely, I promised that I’d not go into a rustic that isn’t in Asia so if ever I’m in an Asia nation, I may also help Jaja within the course of,” stated Minowa after Akari accomplished an 8-0 sweep of the elimination spherical to seal the highest seed on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan Metropolis.
READ: Jaja Santiago now a Japanese citizen
The Japanese coach, who married Santiago two years in the past, stated the 6-foot-5 center blocker wants to vary her federation from the PNVF to the Japan Volleyball Affiliation to be eligible to play for the nationwide crew.
PNVF president Tats Suzara helped Santiago in her citizenship course of.
Photograph from Jaja Santiago’s Instagram
Though Santiago’s subsequent probability within the Olympics can be in 2028 in Los Angeles, the Akari coach is assured that his spouse’s dream continues to be inside attain after coaching with the Japanese nationwide crew final Might.
READ: Jaja Santiago will get Japan nationwide volleyball crew call-up
“I feel that’s why the Japan head coach invited Jaja to nationwide crew coaching. I feel she will be able to make it to the Olympics,” he stated.
Greater than the Japan V.League mainstay’s Olympic dream, Minowa believes his spouse might be a great Japanese citizen.
“I’m all the time pleased with her, particularly as a result of she’s an individual, who all the time respects her coaches and in addition Japanese teammates. That’s why she was in a position to get lots of [good] relationships with [other] gamers, coaches, and Japanese teammates,” the PVL coach stated.
Santiago will play within the Japan SV.League, whereas Minowa and the Chargers make their first-ever PVL playoffs look.