The said development was announced by the agency of the University of Santo Tomas standout Umandal on the day of his flight, Friday.

“Joshua Umandal departs today to Bahrain as he is chosen to play for Bani Jamra Volleyball Club,” said the agency’s statement.

The 6-foot-2 spiker will train and compete with the club until March 12, 2022.

It was a dry performance for Umandal at the collegiate level as the pandemic halted all sports competitions since 2019.

As the University Athletic Association of the Philippines had yet to hold a tournament since Season 82, the return of Umandal to represent UST is still uncertain.

Still, the 22-year-old Umandal already proved his dominance in the court as he previously played for PLDT in the Spikers’ Turf, and led the Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team as the leading scorer during the 2021 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship.

Being the second Filipino to play for Bahrain after Marck Espejo in 2020 and the third men’s player to currently play abroad this season, Umandal promised to give all his best in the international scene.

“Gagawin ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko para masuklian ang binigay nilang tiwala sa Pinoy,” said Umandal.