A Brazilian who is a two-time Olympic gold medal winner will reinforce the Philippine women’s volleyball team.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) announced on Monday, May 3, that the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has appointed Jorge Edson Souza de Brito as coach of the women’s squad.

With the Philippine women’s volleyball crew last occupying a podium spot in the Southeast Asian Games in 2005, the PNVF requested the FIVB for a Brazilian coach to aid the team.

Souza de Brito helped the Brazilian men’s volleyball team win gold in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and guided the Brazilian women’s volleyball team in clinching gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“With coach Jorge’s vast experience as a coach and player, we are very sure that we will get the technology transfer we have aspired for,” said PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Souza de Brito, 54, also served as tactician for several top clubs in Brazil and captured titles overseas as a coach in Turkey and Japan.

He will work together with national women’s team coach Odjie Mamon for two years. The Brazilian mentor is expected to arrive either in June or July, the PNVF said.

According to Suzara, the FIVB will subsidize the salary of Souza de Brito as part of its program of providing national teams coaching support for technical development.

The PNVF, though, will be responsible for the accommodation, food, and local transport of Souza de Brito. – Rappler.com