By MARK REY MONTEJO
Two years since he last donned the country’s colors, defender Daisuke Sato returns to the Philippine Men’s National Team roster with renewed confidence ahead of their crucial match agains Tajikistan in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at Hisor Central Stadium on March 31.
Sato, 31, was named as part of the Nationals’ 23-player roster that the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) presented to the media on Wednesday, March 18, at Whitespace Manila in Makati that will see him reunite with fellow returnee Patrick Deyto.
Other members of the team are Sandro Reyes, Kevin Mendoza, Anami Aguinaldo, Manny Ott, Bjorn Kristen, and Raphael Obermair, to name a few.
Born in Davao City but raised in Japan, Sato said he’s relishing the opportunity of representing the country, expressing pure excitement after being called up once again.
“It’s such an honor. It’s the biggest honor for me. I’m very happy to be back. I prepared those last two years for this moment,” said Sato during the GoTyme Bank-Visa partnership launching of their limited edition debit cards, which could serve as raffle chances for fans who want to witness the 2026 FIFA World Cup in person.
“I knew that it was coming, finally it’s here, finally the moment is here. In this crucial time, I’m very happy to represent the country,” he added.
The Nationals (4-1), however, must beat the Tajik booters (4-1) in their upcoming match after both squads tied in Group A with 13 points.
If the stars align for the Philippines, it would mark its second stint in the continental showpiece, where powerhouse Asian countries in host Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, China, and more await.
It can be remembered, the Carles Cuadra-guided crew hosted its first encounter with Tajikistan at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac last June in a game that ended in a 2-2 draw.
“Definitely I have a big job right now to bring the team to the Asian Cup. Of course it’s up to the coach if I play or not. It doesn’t matter. Our goal is to go to the Asian Cup, bring the Philippines back to the Asian Cup,” Sato continued.
“For that, I will do everything I can, the best way I can to help the team… Thinking about the squad, I think we have a big chance to make it to the Asian Cup. But I don’t want to say big chance,” he added.
The country’s most recent qualification in the meet was in 2019 where former skipper Stephan Schröck scored the historic lone goal for the Azkals.
