MANILA, Philippines – Jason Sabio has left his law studies in the US to pursue his football dreams and together with midfielder Simon Greatwich, the duo are due to rejoin the Philippine Azkals in Japan Friday where the team is currently training for their all-important match against Mongolia four days from now in Ulan Bator.
It could not be determined how fit Sabio and Greatwich are after missing much of the Azkals training sessions.
The Fil-American Sabio, a second year University of Alabama law student whose mother is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, left sometime in late February to go to the US to tell his professors that he was temporarily stopping his studies to play for the national team.
The Crimson White newspaper in Alabama reported on Wednesday that Sabio “has decided to take a leave of absence from the University of Alabama. His reason? To dedicate himself to the Philippine national soccer team for nine months.”
“Law school will always be there,” Sabio said in the same interview. “I already have my bachelor’s, and I’ve spoken to the dean of the law school in depth, and he says I have to do it too.” Sabio said he’s excited to join his teammates.
“Magandang umaga! 12 hours from now I’m leaving Bama (Alabama in the United States)… I can’t wait,” Sabio, 24, posted on his Twitter account Thursday. “Bro, Simon (Greatwich) and I leave on Mar 10. It takes a day to get to Japan! I’m slated for March 11, 2:30 pm.”
The two will join the Azkals who will reportedly play again the Kanto Gakuin University football team Friday. The Kanto booters beat the Azkals, 4-0, in a friendly match on Wednesday.
Sabio debuted for the Azkals last Feb. 9 and played 26 minutes in the second half against the Mongolians, whom they beat, 2-0, in the first leg of their series in Bacolod City.
A 22-year-old varsity player of Hartwick College in New York, Greatwich made a lot of heads turn in the second half against Mongolia, nearly scoring on an overhead kick.
The Fil-British’s availability comes as a boost for the Azkals, considering that his older brother, Chris, Rob Gier and goalie Neil Etheridge will skip the match.
Manila Bulletin
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Sabio's decision reminds me of Jordan Pearce's choice to defer med school where he was accepted in top notch schools here to pursue his dream of playing professional hockey with the Redwings, my favorite hockey team. Grad school will always be there Jason while your playing days are limited so enjoy the experience while you can.
ReplyDeleteIf i was in his position, i would throw it all away man..
ReplyDeletewow what a dedication ;)now im a fan
ReplyDeletegood man!
ReplyDelete