Declaration of Determination & Challenge
Aiming to Take the Regular Position from Morishige
DF 30 Teppei OKA
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with as they prepare for the opening? The players' stories are filled with club love, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill. A product of the academy, via Meiji University, on his way to the top team. The new center back made a strong declaration of self-confidence at the announcement of the new system, stating that he will take over the position from Masato MORISHIGE. Teppei OKA begins his first steps as a professional player to prove that the path he has taken is the right one.
After missing out on a promotion from FC Tokyo U-18, I gathered my strength at Meiji University and once again put on the blue and red jersey with regret in my heart. I had already decided where I wanted to return. Looking back, these were the days I faced in order to achieve that.
"I want to be evaluated for my efforts in front of the goal and running for the team. In college, I also focused on persistent defense and one-on-one training. (I don't think my 4 years in college were) a detour. In order to prove that it wasn't a detour, I have to play in games here first. I want to give it my all from the first season so I have no regrets."
Leading the defense from the back, he sends sharp long feeds to the front line with both his left and right feet. Although he is right-footed, he can handle his left foot just as well. When he was in elementary school, his father, Kyohei, told him "It's better to be able to kick with both feet" and that's when he started to polish his left foot kick. He also has memories of using his 186cm height in aerial battles.
The most growth I experienced during my four years in college was in learning "the ability to communicate and leadership skills."
"I was able to grow a lot mentally. By constantly thinking about the passion for the game and how to improve the team, I learned how to think about how to win in different team situations and communicate that. I think that's where I was able to grow in the past four years. I still rely on Morishige Masato (森重真人) to lead the team. I want to show leadership that can bring the team together without relying on players who have been here for a long time."
In the same grade, Seiji KIMURA, who is competing for a spot on the Paris Olympic team, has moved to Sagan Tosu on a temporary transfer this season in search of a place to shine. He admits that he wanted to compete with Seiji and see who would be evaluated better, but also vows to push each other and compete as they both have the same goals no matter where they play.
First season's declaration of belief. When asked for words at the announcement of the new system, I deliberately spit out stimulating words to motivate myself.
"My goal is to continue playing in the game by taking the starting position from player Morishige."
The reward waiting beyond the high wall may be the proof of the rightness of the path one has walked.
Text by Koji Baba (Freelance Writer)
