Well-rounded Learning for A Passion-driven Future

Meet Pho Tagu, a football enthusiast, who has already been working on his dream career in the industry since his early Secondary School life at Network International School. Here, he shares his achievements and insights on his journey with the Myanmar National Football Team to China.

Pho Tagu, a Year 9 student at Network, shared the inspiring experience of his journey with Myanmar National Football Team to China. As the winner of the 2022 AFF Championship Prediction Game, he accompanied the team for the very first time for 2023’s international friendly matches held in Dalian, China. There, he was introduced to a future that he could have never imagined. 

Pho Tagu started his first ever trip abroad to watch the national team’s international fixtures on 14th of June 2023. He attended Myanmar’s first match against China on 16th, which resulted in a defeat. 

 “Despite a satisfactory performance, we lost 4-0 to China. Before the team's next match, on June 18th, I attended the team's training session and met all the players…China's facilities were well-maintained. On the next match day, we travelled on the players' bus. I got a signed jersey from the national team, which made me extremely delighted. Two goals was enough for a first victory in two years, and everyone was happy and celebrating in the changing room.”

In March 2024, the national team will face Syria for the World Cup Qualifier and Pho Tagu may be there to support the team. He is thrilled to travel for this important match, which will be held at a host stadium of Syria’s choice: “I am filled with anticipation and excitement as I continue to support and travel with the team in their quest for international success.”

Pho Tagu’s passion for football started very early, at the age of 5. He started playing at 6, and his first training sessions at Yangon United Sports Complex were received before he turned 10. However, he became particularly interested in the tactical part of the sport during lockdown periods in 2020.

Following his new interest, in 2022, he won first place in the prediction game of AFF Mitsubishi Cup. The game was to enter predictions for each match, and points were given out for how close the predictions were. Pho Tagu beat approximately half a million contestants with 1,060 points. The winner got an official Championship football and a jersey from ASEAN Football Federation, and it has brought him the opportunity to accompany the international fixtures of Myanmar National Football Team.

His parents believe that this achievement shows their son's dedication to a comprehensive understanding of the sport. They have witnessed his commitment through his journey with the Myanmar Football Federation and how it has revealed his interest in stadium design, construction and passion for football.

Being parents, they have high expectations for Pho Tagu’s academic performance and think that education should come first. However, they have always supported him to learn outside of the classroom, as they are aware of how much it affects his entire growth. “We encourage him to pursue his love of sports while still focusing on a well-rounded education that doesn't endanger his wellbeing. The intention is to raise a well-rounded person who enjoys learning athletics as well as academic success.” 

As a Secondary student, Pho Tagu has started to think about university destinations and dream careers: “My post-graduation aspirations could be around a career in football, with possible roles such as manager or related positions within the sport. The strategic leadership that comes with managerial responsibilities is what attracts me. Making critical decisions and organising game plans are also things that I enjoy doing”.Moreover, his passion for predicting game outcomes and keeping tabs on teams helps him have a better grasp of the tactics and dynamics of the game, which enhances his analytical abilities for a football career in the future. 

Pho Tagu believes that Network International School’s education will help him develop important skills for his desired career. “Teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking will prepare me well for a career in football,” he concluded.