Koji Tsuzurabara steps down as head coach of Petro Gazz just three months after leading them to their first-ever PVL title

The Petro Gazz Angels have been dealt a major blow after head coach Koji Tsuzurabara parted ways with the franchise just three months after leading them to their first-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference title.

It is understood that Tsuzurabara’s sudden decision to quit came as a shock to Petro Gazz management, as the Japanese tactician had been posting farewell messages on social media over the past few days.

“When I won the 2025 PVL All-Filipino, I received so many congratulatory messages. And now that I’m leaving the team, I’m getting even more emails asking ‘why?’” Tsuzurabara posted on Facebook on Sunday, July 20.

“In the midst of all this, I had a chat with my friend, Coach O. I have been friends with him since 2018. It was Coach O who recommended me to this year’s PGA. He was very kind to me and was a great, understanding friend. I’m so grateful. I met Mr. E again at the training gym. We took a commemorative photo after I explained the circumstances that led to my departure. Then, I got a call from a staff member, so I dashed off to the nearest Starbucks. So many people are concerned about me. I’m grateful,” the Japanese tactician added in another post.

The 60-year-old reportedly confirmed to The Inquirer, a Philippine publication, that he is leaving Petro Gazz but would only answer questions once his departure is officially confirmed by the franchise.

COACH KOJI LEAVES PETRO GAZZ ⛽️

Koji Tsuzurabara is set to part ways with Petro Gazz just three months after winning the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference championship, https://t.co/lXpLd8gqLD has learned.

The Angels are currently 1-3 in the 2025 PVL on Tour. #PVL2025… pic.twitter.com/xrjerb93aK

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) July 22, 2025

“I think everyone is surprised that I’m leaving the Petro Gazz Angels so suddenly,” he said.

Tsuzurabara will go down as a legend at Petro Gazz. Under his leadership, the Angels became the first team to defeat the Creamline Cool Smashers in a PVL Finals, after Chery Tiggo did so in the 2021 Open Conference.

In addition to leading the Angels to the 2025 All-Filipino Conference title, Tsuzurabara guided the franchise to three podium finishes and the 2024 PNVF Champions League title, where they swept the Cignal HD Spikers in the final.

He boasts a 35–15 win-loss record as head coach of Petro Gazz and is set to fly back to Japan on Thursday, July 24. This means he will not be in the dugout for the Angels’ final pool game of the ongoing PVL On Tour preseason tournament against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on July 29 at the Candon City Arena.

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