Declaration of Determination & Challenge
Aiming for Regular Position from Morishige
DF 30 Teppei OKA
A special content introducing all the blue and red warriors challenging the 2024 season. What are the players, who are about to start the season, thinking and what determination are they bringing into the year? The stories of the players, who hold in their hearts their love for the club, their thirst for titles, their aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill──. Coming from the academy, via Meiji University, to the top team. The newly joined center-back made a strong declaration of intent by announcing the intention to take the position from Masato MORISHIGE right at the announcement of the new system. To prove that the path he has walked was the right one, Teppei OKA begins his journey as a professional player.
Missed promotion from FC Tokyo U-18, and with regret in his heart, he built up his strength at Meiji University and once again put on the blue and red jersey. He had already decided where to return. Looking back on those days he faced for that purpose.
"I want to be recognized for my efforts in front of the goal and running for the team. In college, I also focused on strong defense and one-on-one training. I don't see my college years as 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 lead.
"I was able to grow a lot mentally. By constantly thinking about the passion for the game and the effort to improve the team, I learned how to think about how to win in different team situations and communicate it. I think that's where I was able to grow in the past four years. I still rely on Morishige-kun (Masato MORISHIGE) 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, sought a place to shine on loan to Sagan Tosu from this season. He honestly says, "I wanted to compete with Seiji and see who would be evaluated better," but also vows to push each other and compete because "I think we have the same things to do in different places."
Pro 1st season declaration. Asked for words at the new system announcement, I spit out stimulating words that deliberately invigorate myself.
"My goal is to continue playing in the game by taking the starting position from player Morishige."
The high wall that awaits after overcoming it may be the proof of the rightness of the path one has walked.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
