Alas Pilipinas standout Owa Retamar is seto to play for Azerbaijan-based membership Ordu Sports activities. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines — Owa Retamar turns into the primary Filipino to play within the 2026–27 CEV Volleyball Problem Cup, also referred to as the European Cup, becoming a member of Azerbaijan-based staff Ordu Sports activities Membership.
The Alas Pilipinas setter on Thursday was welcomed by Ordu Sports activities Membership, as he’s set to hitch the staff on August 11.
“It is a dream come true and a problem that I’m actually excited to embrace,” mentioned Retamar.
“Taking part in in Europe has at all times been considered one of my aspirations as a result of it permits me to compete in opposition to among the finest gamers on the earth and proceed rising as an athlete. Whereas I could also be sporting the colours of Ordu Sports activities Membership, I do know that I’ll nonetheless be carrying the Philippines with me on one other taking part in discipline.”
“ Each match is a chance to indicate the world what Filipino volleyball gamers are able to, and I hope this journey conjures up extra younger athletes to dream greater and consider that alternatives past Asia are potential,” he added.
VP International Administration, Retamar’s company, mentioned that discussions with Ordu Sports activities Membership had been ongoing for a number of months, reflecting the membership’s confidence in Retamar’s potential to guide its offense as one of many staff’s major playmakers.
“For a setter, becoming a member of the staff forward of the season is extraordinarily essential. Constructing chemistry with teammates can’t be rushed, and Joshua’s early arrival will enable him to completely combine into the staff’s system earlier than official competitions start,” VP International Administration wrote.
Ordu Sports activities Membership expressed its confidence within the younger Filipino setter, who led Visakha VC to a runner-up end within the Techo Volleyball Cambodia League final month and a bronze in his first stint with the membership within the 4th Sar Kheng Cup early this yr.
“In ORDU VK’s proficient roster, Joshua Retamar’s position is predicted to draw particular consideration. Surrounded by skilled gamers, the younger setter will proceed to develop whereas bringing pace, willpower, and a profitable mentality to the staff,” the staff wrote
“This switch just isn’t just for the membership’s current ambitions however can be a strategic funding in its future. We consider your power, volleyball intelligence, and brave decision-making will play an important position in our staff’s future success.”
Retamar is a embellished setter within the nation, shining within the FIVB World Championship final yr and main Alas again to the rostrum with a bronze within the Southeast Asian Video games.
In his rookie yr for the boys’s nationwide volleyball staff, Retamar was the principle playmaker of the historic silver medal staff within the 2019 SEA Video games. He’s additionally a two-time UAAP champion, Finals MVP, and Finest Setter out of Nationwide College.
