Foreign players 'heat up' the second phase of the National Volleyball Championship

23/09/2025 06:45:00 PANDATV

In just a few days, the second phase of the 2025 National Volleyball Championship will begin in Ninh Binh. The preparation atmosphere is livelier than ever as many teams urgently strengthen their rosters, especially with foreign players and international main attackers.

In the men's category, Bien Phong continues to rely on Thai main attacker Jakkrit Thanomnoi. Standing 1.88m tall with an attacking jump reach of 3.30m, Jakkrit showed excellent coordination with the "soldier shirt" team last season. During this year's first phase, he contributed significantly to Bien Phong's five consecutive wins and their Hung Vuong Cup victory.

Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City Police drew special attention by welcoming back Polish star Michal Kubiak. Having spent many years on the national team, Kubiak brings experience and international caliber. At 1.92m tall with a jump reach of 3.47m and a strong playing style, he is expected to help Ho Chi Minh City Police continue their unbeaten form from phase one and aim for the highest goal this season.

Another "headline" signing comes from Sanest Khanh Hoa with Argentine opposite hitter Federico Pereyra. Pereyra is 2m tall, has an attacking jump reach of 3.50m, and has played in Thailand with substantial international experience. His arrival is hoped by coach Ngo Van Kieu to help Sanest Khanh Hoa address attacking weaknesses and improve their fifth-place ranking after phase one.

Equally active in the women's category, teams swiftly finalized their foreign player rosters. Duc Giang Chemicals added Thai main attacker Kuttika Kaewpin. Though only 1.71m tall, Kaewpin is notable for her flexible and powerful play on both flanks. She previously played in Vietnam for Bac Ninh and left many marks. Paired with setter Tichaya Boonlert, also a Thai compatriot, Duc Giang Chemicals hopes to create a well-coordinated duo to boost attacking strength in the decisive phase.

Retaining Jakkrit Thanomnoi is regarded as a success for Bien Phong ahead of phase two of the 2025 National Volleyball Championship.

Notably, Ninh Binh is very likely to reunite with Bulgarian main attacker Miroslava Paskova, who helped the team achieve a perfect record in phase one. Currently playing in the US and yet to make a final decision, if she returns, she will continue to be a key figure for Ninh Binh to maintain their top spot and aim for the championship on home soil.

It can be seen that the wave of foreign player reinforcements before phase two is not only about adding personnel but also involves careful long-term strategic planning. Each signing reflects the strong determination of the teams: Bien Phong chooses stability with Jakkrit, Ho Chi Minh City Police welcomes world-class star Kubiak, Sanest Khanh Hoa takes a risk with Pereyra to change their status, Duc Giang Chemicals upgrades their offense with a pair of Thai foreigners, and Ninh Binh bets on Paskova's return.

The second phase of the 2025 National Volleyball Championship will take place from October 7 to 16 in Ninh Binh, where the remaining group stage matches will be completed before entering the medal and relegation rounds. The presence of quality foreign players will certainly add more appeal to the tournament while presenting challenges to teams relying mainly on domestic players.

Comment (0)