“I have no confidence in Petro Gazz”: Koji Tsuzurabara reveals the real reason behind his exit

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 resign came as a shock to the Petro Gazz management, especially since the Japanese tactician had been posting farewell messages on social media in recent days.

Tsuzurabara has now broken his silence on the unexpected exit, revealing to Philippine publication Spin.ph that he no longer has confidence in the franchise.

“I have no confidence in the Petro Gazz Angels. That’s why I have resigned from the team. I am disappointed in the Petro Gazz Angels. They made the same mistake twice. The first time was October 31, 2024, and the second time was July 17,” Tsuzurabara said.

“The Petro Gazz Angels should not hire foreign coaches because they will make the same mistake. That’s my advice to the Petro Gazz Angels,” he added.

Former ⛽️Angels’ head coach Koji Tsuzurabara resigned after the team repeated the same mistake twice, saying he had lost confidence in the organization.

“The PGA should not hire foreign coaches because they will make the same mistake. That’s my advice.”#PVL2025 🇵🇭| via SPIN pic.twitter.com/Ifk7SHVliA

— Torey Canino (@tj_canino) July 28, 2025

The 60-year-old coach is not ruling out a return to the PVL. While there are no immediate openings, he is keeping his options open.

“My agent is currently looking for another team. If another PVL team needs me, I will sign with them,” Tsuzurabara concluded.

He has since returned to Japan to take a short break. Despite the acrimonious nature of his departure, 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 since Chery Tiggo did so in the 2021 Open Conference.

In addition to winning the 2025 All-Filipino Conference title, Tsuzurabara led Petro Gazz to three podium finishes and the 2024 PNVF Champions League championship, where they swept the Cignal HD Spikers in the final.

However, the Angels have struggled in the ongoing PVL On Tour preseason tournament, currently holding a 1–3 win-loss record. They will aim to improve their standings in their final pool game against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on July 29 at the Candon City Arena.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.