Back in Bandung, Daisuke Sato Moved by Warm Welcome from Bobotoh
Philippine national team player Daisuke Sato expressed disappointment over his team’s narrow defeat against Vietnam in Group B of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. However, Sato noted that the presence and support of the Bobotoh supporters in the stadium helped ease his disappointment.
Sato finally made his return to Bandung following past controversies. His return was not to rejoin Persib Bandung, but rather to represent his country in the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
In their opening fixture against Vietnam at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Saturday, September 26, 2026, Sato remained an unused substitute on the bench as the Philippines fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Despite not taking to the pitch, Sato remained a focal point for the crowd. When his face appeared on the stadium’s big screen, spectators immediately cheered and chanted his name in welcome.
Sato expressed great joy at being back in Bandung. Even though he is no longer a Persib player, he was deeply moved and appreciative of the warm reception from the Bobotoh.
“Yeah, it feels amazing to be back. People welcomed me back. I’m really happy to be here again. You know, it’s been a while. I’m just so glad to be back,” Sato told reporters.
When he first learned he would be playing in Bandung, Sato revealed his mind immediately flooded with fond memories of his time playing for Persib and sharing moments with the Bobotoh—a sentiment that fueled his excitement to return.
“The first thing that came to mind was pure excitement, you know. I was so excited because, yeah, I consider this place my second home. So I was really happy to hear the news,” he added.
Addressing the loss to Vietnam, Sato felt his side dominated the match and played better from the start, though luck was not on their side in front of goal.
“I think we were the better team from the start, but unfortunately we conceded from the one chance they had. Even after that, we kept pushing to score, but it just wouldn’t come—we were unlucky,”
“I think for the rest of the game we dominated. They had a few counter-attacking chances, of course, because we were pushing hard to equalize and win the match, which is completely normal,”
“Credit to them, though. Huge respect to Vietnam—they are the champions of Southeast Asia. We had a great game, and I think both teams put on a strong performance today,” he concluded.
