Jefferson Tabinas said there’s still some room for improvement even after a stellar performance during his Philippine Azkals debut against China in the World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers last Tuesday, June 8.
Those who stayed up in the wee hours of the morning to watch the 2-0 defeat were impressed with what they saw from Tabinas, whose quality defending gave the Azkals an early chance to squeak at least a point.
While the Fil-Japanese son of a Ghanian father and a Filipina mother who hails from Virac, Catanduanes said that he had an easy time with his play at the back, Tabinas also felt that things can get better if he can improve his fitness level.
“I think this is the lowest because (if) I can play more, (maybe) two games, three games, then I can play better than today,” Tabinas said following the match held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
“Because I can focus (on) the game and (have) a lot of communication (with) my teammates so I hope I can play better. But that’s my style so I need to keep it always,” added the 22-year-old player of Japanese second division club Mito HollyHock.
Tabinas’ effort especially in the first half that saw him prevent China’s naturalized player Elkesson and star striker Wu Lei from making clear chances to score the opening goal.
His play prompted coach Scott Cooper to rate Tabinas’ debut as “excellent.”
“I was pleased with his performance, it’s what I expected and I think the fans could see that,” said Cooper, who had been in touch with Tabinas for over a year regarding a possible Azkals stint that finally became a reality.
Tabinas, who can speak fluent Tagalog, said his loved ones back in Japan were glad to see him don the Azkals jersey for the first time.
“I was happy kasi yung family ko, they always watch on TV and stay in touch with me. I’m like them because they're happy and my brothers are very happy,” said Tabinas, who has one 18-year brother who also plays for a Japanese club.
No one was prouder than her mother, Tabinas said.
“Umiiyak (siya),” he described.
Despite the loss that has all but assured the Azkals' elimination from the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers, Tabinas and the rest of the Azkals hope to end the second round of the joint qualifiers on a bright note.
They play Guam Friday, June 11, before facing Maldives on Tuesday, June 15, needing to gain the full three points in both matches to secure a place in the next phase of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.