When rumors claim that a veteran Philippine Azkal mainstay is heading to the country to play in the upcoming season of the Philippines Football League, The Designated Kit Man reached out immediately to Daisuke Sato.
Sato, who last played for Global FC in the old United Football League in 2016, confirmed in a phone conversation that indeed he is entertaining thoughts of coming back to play in the domestic league which is expected to kick-off in early March.
“It was always my dream to come back and play in the Philippines. That hope was always there because I want to give something back after being ‘away’ for several years. Now there is an opportunity to make this happen,” Sato explained.
He, however, clarified that nothing is definite yet. Sato is still contracted to play for Persib Bandung in Indonesia’s Liga 1 until 2025. Sato said he has been receiving several offers from teams competing in other leagues.
“I have declined three offers from Thailand and three inquiries from Malaysia as well. In the Philippines, there are offers too coming from three teams,” Sato said.
Sato revealed that two of these teams include comebacking Davao Aguilas FC and rookie Taguig City United FC. He refused to name the third team though. Between Davao and Taguig City, Sato admitted that he is quite intrigued with the former for two reasons.
“Davao Aguilas FC is a team with big ambitions. When I heard about their projects, I became interested but I haven’t decided yet. And I can’t do anything now,” he said.
Davao City is also dear to Sato because it is his mother’s hometown. They have a house there.
After leaving Global Makati FC eight years ago, Sato has played for several teams in Europe and in Southeast Asia. He played for CSM Politehnica Iasi, which competes in the Romanian Superliga, 2016 until 2017, appearing in 24 fixtures. He also suited for AC Horsens in the Danish 1st Division before returning to Romania to play for Sepsi OSK from 2018-2019.
After his stint in Romania, Sato played for Muanthong United, Suphanburi and Ratchaburi Mitr Phol from 2019 until 2022 in the Thai Premier League. He has appeared for Persib Bandung for at least 44 games.
The left-back has played for at least 207 games in club competitions and has scored eight goals. He has been a regular mainstay for the Azkals since 2014 and has 60 caps under his belt since then.
But more than anything else, Sato has endeared himself to his fans whether in Romania, Denmark and in Southeast Asia because of his play, work ethic and attitude on and off the pitch. His underdog mentality has been his calling card whether playing for club football and especially while donning the national colors. To say that Sato leaves everything on the pitch is an understatement.
If given another opportunity, Sato says he will make himself available for the March fixtures against Iraq in the World and Asian Cup qualifiers. He knows, too, that the games against the highly-favored opponent will be difficult and challenging.
“But of course, with the right work and everything, we can give them a good fight but it will be tough for sure,” he added.
For the meantime, Sato said he will have to wait for things to clarify and eventually make a decision as soon as possible. He said he will come home within the week.
In a related development, another foreign-based Azkal is interested to return to the national team after missing the country’s opening two games in the Word and Asian Cup Qualifiers last year.
A person close to the player reached out to The Designated Kit Man last Wednesday night to relay the development and revealed that the player is just waiting for an invitation from the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) to come back to the country and rejoin the national training camp whether be it in Manila or elsewhere for the crucial away-and-home games against Iraq.
The source revealed that the player is just sorting out some concerns, but will be ready when the call up comes. This same source also added that “basta convince ko po siya” to play for the flag and country in March. The source also requested not to reveal the player’s name while no formal invitation is sent to him yet.
The Azkals opened their campaign in the qualifiers with a loss and a heartbreaking draw against Vietnam and Indonesia at home. The team, although it fought valiantly before record home crowds, lacked additional players, who could deliver in the final third. This foreign-based Azkal can definitely help the team deliver those much-needed goals and crucial points.
“‘Yun ang sabi niya kagabi. Basta feeling ko po na gusto niya sa March,” the source added.
Just hoping that the PFF will eventually invite him to come over as soon as possible. We need all the help and firepower we can muster in March.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
