FIVB gives green light to Kalei Mau to play for the Philippines

Kalei Mau receives the go signal to play for the PH in international tourneys (Michael Gatpandan/Rappler photo)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) finally approved Kalei Mau’s eligibility to play for the Philippine national team who will finally be making her highly anticipated debut.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Tats Suzara confirmed that the FIVB wrote to them stating Mau’s allowance to play for the PH.

The good news came after FIVB’s decision of disallowing Mau to suit up for the PH during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Mau has a dual citizenship status both with the PH and the US and is now cleared with all the requirements to be a Filipina volleyball player at the international level.

Aside from Mau, legendary Brazilian volleyball coach Souza de Brito, who will be one of the mentors of the PH women’s national team, also had his visa authorized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and is ready to fly to the PH.

“These are a couple of good news for Philippine volleyball. With Coach Jorge flying in soon and Mau already available to play for the country, we can now go on full throttle for the women’s national team training,” Suzara said.

The FIVB also notified the USA Volleyball, the Asian, North, Central America, and the Caribbean Volleyball Confederation regarding the latest news about Mau’s eligibility.