Takashi Odawara fulfills dreams in the Philippines

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Takashi Odawara and the Ceres - Negros FC had an impressive run in the 2020 AFC Champions League qualifiers.


The game of football has evolved into a global phenomenon. It is undeniable that foreign players have contributed to the quality of the local football scene and bring more excitement to the games. Japanese midfielder Takashi Odawara has been in the Philippines for five years and has played for three professional clubs.

Growing up in Tokyo, Takashi Odawara, like many other Japanese, fell in love to the beautiful game at a young age. "Football in Japan is very popular. Over 30,000 people come per game for my favorite team, FC Tokyo," said Odawara. 

Odawara started his football journey with the FC Toripletta youth team. From there, he would go play varsity football for the Tokyo University of Agriculture. It has always been Odawara's dream to become a professional footballer. "I never thought I was good in football but I loved it and I knew I wanted to be a pro ever since I started football," said Odawara.

At 22, Odawara would fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a professional footballer after signing with JP Voltes in the Philippines. He admits that it wasn't an easy transition living and playing football in the Phillipines. " It took me two years to adapt to the style of Philippine football because the weather and the style of play is different from Japan," said Odawara. The former FC Tripoletta youth player would become a pivotal part of the JP Voltes, helping  the team finish fourth in the 2016 season of the United Football League (UFL).

Odawara would suit up for another season with the JPV in the Philippines Football League (PFL) before joining Davao Aguilas FC in 2018 and eventually signing with three time PFL champions, Ceres - Negros FC in 2019. Odawara said that playing for Ceres helped him develop his game even more. " I  learned a lot from coach Risto and I think the style of play of Ceres fits me, " added Odawara. 

It was also with the busmen where he would fulfill another childhood dream - to play in Ajinomoto Stadium, the home stadium of FC Tokyo. But it was a different story this time as Odawara was on the opposing team playing for Ceres- Negros. The two teams played against each other in the final preliminary round of the 2020 AFC Champion's League Qualifier. Ceres lost the game 2-0,  but it was a game Odawara felt he won no matter the result.

Takashi Odawara of Ceres -Negros FC in action during their game against FC Tokyo at Ajinomoto Stadium.

" It was incredible and an amazing experience. I can’t even express it through words. It's my dream come true. I will remember it for the rest of my life," said Odawara.

The Japanese midfielder might have fulfilled his childhood dreams, but Odawara is a man of dreams, and now he is driven to put his own stamp in Philippine football. " My dream is to be a player that will leave a mark in Philippine Football history." 
  

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