Another Filipino volleyball player is set to play overseas.
Joshua Umandal has flown out of the country on Friday as he is set to join Bani Jamra in the Isa bin Rashid Volleyball League first division.
Umandal’s agency Virtual Playground announced the development.
“Joshua Umandal departs today to Bahrain as he is chosen to play for Bani Jamra Volleyball Club,” said the agency’s statement.
Umandal, 22, was unsure of a return to University of Santo Tomas last season as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines had yet to hold a tournament since Season 82.
The 6-foot-2 spiker has been spectacular for the Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team, becoming the team’s leading scorer during the 2021 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship.
Photo by SMM Volleyball
He previously played for PLDT in the Spikers’ Turf.
It can be recalled that Marck Espejo played with the same team a year ago, leading the squad to a 4-9 record.
“Gagawin ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko para masuklian ang binigay nilang tiwala sa Pinoy,” said Umandal.
Espejo’s stint in Bahrain became his stepping stone in returning to the V.League, eventually signing with FC Tokyo.
Goodluck buddy!!👊🏽 https://t.co/1smZwwKBFo
— Marck Espejo (@MarckEspejooo) January 14, 2022
Umandal becomes the third men’s player to currently play abroad this season, joining Espejo and Bryan Bagunas (Oita Miyoshi).
Salamat buddy!!
— Joshua Umandal (@joshua_umandal) January 14, 2022
