Head coach Odjie Mamon and star spiker Josh Ybañez won’t be the only ones stepping away from their duties at University of Santo Tomas-Gameville during the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Golden Spikers winger Al-Bukharie Sali has also been invited to join the Alas Pilipinas Men’s pool bound for Taiwan this Sunday, as the national team begins preparations for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
“Against Criss Cross makakalaro pa siya [Ybañez], pero against FEU sila ni [Al-Bukharie] Sali hindi na sila makakalaro,” said Mamon following UST’s massive four-set upset over defending champion Cignal.
Sali, a 6-foot-5 middle blocker-turned-winger, first played for VNS and was developed under head coach Ralph Ocampo before being recruited by UST. There, he continued to refine his skills and emerged as a key contributor for the Golden Spikers.
The pride of Tawi-Tawi has only been playing volleyball for three years, and he couldn’t be happier about the national team call-up. He sees it as both a major personal milestone and an opportunity to showcase his growth on the international stage.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Sobrang saya po and sobrang laking opportunity din. Sobrang saya ko kasi pinapangarap ko lang na makasama sa Alas. Ayun, binigay na rin. Unti-unting dumating,” Sali said.
The selection also gives the UST standout a chance to learn from national team stars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, gaining invaluable experience that could accelerate his growth and help him contribute even more to UST in the UAAP.
“Sobrang excited po kasi dati nakasali na rin ako sa training nila. Sobrang taas ng intensity ng training. Malaking bagay din for me, preparation na rin sa UAAP,” Sali added.
Coming off a 12-point performance in the win over the Super Spikers, Sali said he is eager to take on the challenges with Alas Pilipinas, learn from the national team veterans, and bring that experience back to strengthen the Golden Spikers.
“Sobrang laki po, kasi ‘di ba defending champion ‘yung tinalo namin. Mataas ‘yung makukuha naming confidence.”
