Practice makes perfect for PH booter Belgira

Kouichi Belgira. Photo by Marc Reyes

KUALA LUMPUR—I made that shot many times in practices.

That’s what 20-year-old Filipino-Japanese midfielder Kouichi Belgira said of the Philippines’ second—and more emphatic—goal against Cambodia Tuesday night in the Southeast Asian Games football.

“I do free kick over and over again that when I got the chance to do it I was very happy I executed it well,” said Belgira in halting English.

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Born to a Japanese mother and Filipino father, Belgira was brought here when he was 18 and went on to become one of the rising stars of the sport.

He plays for Japan-Philippines-Voltes Marikina FC in the Philippines Football League.

“The team worked very hard and it paid off because the match was very, very tough,” said Belgira of the game which saw the Philippines groped for form in the entire first half.

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“I’m very happy we helped each other,” said Belgira who flung the goal—with the versatile Javier Gayoso as decoy—against a five-man wall.