PVL: Tsuzurabara’s strict coaching style pays dividends as Farm Fresh clinches semis spot

MANILA — Farm Fresh head coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s strict coaching style is paying dividends as the Foxies secured a semifinals berth in the 2026-27 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab series.

Known for his perfectionist approach, Tsuzurabara’s attention to detail has helped improve the game of reigning Season Most Valuable Player (MVP) Trisha Tubu.

While the Adamson University product credited all of her former Farm Fresh coaches for their contributions to her development, she said the Japanese tactician’s emphasis on precision stands out.

“Lagi ko pong sinasabi sa naging coaches ko sa Farm Fresh bawat isa po sa kanila may input po talaga sa ‘kin personally,” said Tubu, who took charge in Farm Fresh’s 25-17, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23 win over Capital1 on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena, dropping 25 points.

“And kay coach Koji, siguro po ‘yung Japanese culture niya na perfectionist, lagi niyang sinasabi na one small mistake, mag-a-appear ‘yan sa game. So dapat sa training pa lang, pina-polish na,” she added.

“So siguro po ‘yon, sa training palang, sabi nga ni Maicah [Larroza] na sobrang strict po niya sa mga maliliit na bagay.”

Tubu said Tsuzurabara constantly reminds the players to correct even the smallest mistakes, as these could pile up and prove costly in crucial moments.

With their matchup against defending champions Creamline fast approaching, the Foxies, who hold a 5-2 win-loss card, cannot afford to be complacent.

“Kahit sobrang simpleng error lang, sabi ni coach na kung mangyari ‘yan ng set point, simple error? Malaki ‘yung cost. So ‘yun po ‘yung pinakamaganda sa kaniya na sa training pa lang, pina-polish pala hindi magsisi sa game,” said Tubu.

With a twice-to-beat advantage within reach, Tsuzurabara, for his part, wants his players to enjoy their upcoming clash against the Cool Smashers who currently have a 4-2 record.

The coach acknowledged that the Foxies played with too much anger in their game against Capital1, which contributed to their mistakes.

“During the game, too much angry. Always advice to the player. Try or not. Up to the player. But the next game, I want them to enjoy Creamline,” said Tsuzurabara.