Akari Chargers coach Taka Minowa during the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Japanese coach Taka Minowa has bid the Premier Volleyball League goodbye after three years with Akari-owned teams.
Minowa, who led the Chargers to a breakthrough finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference and bronze in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, officially bid farewell to his club and the first and only volleyball league in the country.
READ: PVL: Improving chemistry a priority for Taka Minowa, Akari
Philippine Daily Inquirer broke the news on May 12 that Tina Salak has taken the coaching reins as Minowa will join his wife, Jaja Santiago, in her bid to become the first Filipino spiker to play in Europe, after years of playing in Japan.
The Japanese tactician, who started coaching with Nxled in 2023, reflected on his transfer to Akari last year, where he steered the Oly Okaro-led squad to sweep its way to the Reinforced finals before falling to Creamline.
Akari Chargers and coach Taka Minowa during the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“One year ago, I received an offer from team management, who told me, ‘We have a lineup that can become a champion team.’ This was coming from a team that, since its founding, had never once finished in the top 6. That alone gives you an idea of how challenging this journey was going to be. At times, the high expectations placed on the team turned into pressure — but for me, that pressure gave me purpose and deep motivation,” Minowa wrote.
“We chose not to chase results, but to focus on daily growth. We believed in the process and that belief kept us moving forward, day by day, challenge by challenge. It was never easy, but every tough day made this journey even more meaningful and fulfilling.”
READ: PVL: Jeered and booed Akari couldn’t handle crowd, admits Minowa
As he stepped down, Minowa thanked his coaching staff, players, their social media team, and the whole PVL community.
He wished the Chargers well, hoping to get their first gold after their back-to-back podium finishes.
“Even the most successful team in the PVL started with back-to-back podium finishes before finally becoming champions and that’s exactly where this team now stands. The foundation has been laid. The belief is real. And the future is bright. Go for Gold!” Minowa said.
“I would be truly grateful if I’ve been able to make even a small positive impact or provide some inspiration to the team and to Philippine volleyball. It was an honor to work in my wife’s home country. Thank you, team. Thank you, PVL. Maraming salamat. Matane.”
The Chargers also let go of two players in Cath Almazan and Ysa Bakabak.
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Under Salak, Akari will pick 10th in the draft. Team manager Mozzy Ravena and new Chargers’ assistant coach Eddieson Orcullo, who led FEU to the UAAP Season 87 men’s finals, attended the final day of the combine at Paco Arena to oversee the 60 hopefuls.
