Tag: Japan

Official – Bengaluru FC recruit striking duo

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By Sunil A Markal

I-League runners-up Bengaluru FC have confirmed the signings of attacking duo Kim Seng-Yong and SeiminlenDoungel from Royal Wahingdoh FC and ShillongLajong respectively.

A statement on the Blues’ official website read

Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced the signings of strikers Kim Seng-Yong and Seiminlen Doungel as the Blues are looking to build on what’s been a successful second season where they finished winners of the Federation Cup, runners-up in the I-League and made the last-16 of the AFC Cup.

The Federation Cup winners were on the look for a new striker, after Australian striker Sean Rooney’s contract with the Blues expired at the end of the current campaign.

And the champions of last year have signed an experienced campaigner in North Korean Kim to replace the departing Australian. The former Rangdajied United man is a prolific goalscorer, and found the back of the net five teams to propel his side to an impressive 3rd placed finish. The 28-year-old has penned a one-year-deal, with Bengaluru having the choice to extend it for another year.

Talking to the official website, Kim said, “I am extremely happy to have signed for Bengaluru FC. I consider myself lucky to have been given a chance to play for a club like this. They have done an amazing job on and off the pitch over the past two years. I am looking forward to playing under the guidance of Ashley Westwood and the rest of the staff, and I will do my best to contribute towards the team’s success on all fronts.”

Bengaluru’s second addition comes in the form of 21-year-old Shillong forward Seiminlen Doungel. The Manipur born JCT youth product was excited on signing for the Blues, and will present with more options for manager Ashley Westwood upfront.

“It makes me happy to say that I am part of Bengaluru FC. It’s a club where I know I will improve as a player and I cannot wait to be a part of wonderful things the club does,”the former East Bengal man said.

Club COO Mustafa Ghouse meanwhile said of the players that the duo were on the club’s radar for a while, and they are happy to have finally landed their targets.

“Kim and Len are both very talented players and have been on our radar for some time now. We are certain the fans will be happy to see them in the BFC blue next season, just as we are. We would also like to thank Sean Rooney whose contribution to the club in our first two seasons has been immense and we wish him all the best for his future endeavors”

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IMG – Reliance Appoint Former FIFA Official Ko-Ichiro Kato

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Ko-Ichiro Kato, FIFA, Football, Indian Super League, ISL, Indianfootball, SoccerReports are coming through that IMG – Relaince has appointed  Ko-Ichiro Kato, former Head of Competitions, Brazil Office, FIFA 2014 World Cup and FIFA Head of Club World Cups (2005-2010), as Consultant, Tournament Operations for the much-anticipated Indian Super League.

“Japanese national Ko-Ichiro Kato is an able football administrator being associated with FIFA competitions over the last decade in various leadership roles and will bring in his experience and expertise to oversee the Indian Super League operations to ensuring its smooth conduct,” tournament organiser IMG – Reliance said in a statement.

This is the second major hiring by IMG – Reliance after appointing Greg Gillin, a Wembley Stadium expert and Senior Director, National Stadium Singapore Sports Hub, as the pitch consultant.

Content Courtesy : PTI

Curious case of Yohei Iwasaki, the Rangdajied United recruit

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Image Courtesy : http://www.footballzz.com

Image Courtesy : http://www.footballzz.com

While news trickled in yesterday about Rangdajied United’s new recruit Yohei Iwasaki, the Japanese who last played for a Paraguayan outfit Independiente F.B.C, most interesting aspect about the player is his extensive experience in Latin American football. In his two years stay in Brazil, he seems to have appeared for five clubs!

The 26 year old has been plying his trade in Brazil from 2008 before he made a move to Albirex Niigata, a J-league team in 2010. A year after he seemed to have signed on with another Japanese club Ganju Iwate and made seven appearances for the club. In 2012 he returned to Latin America playing for the Paraguayan outfit Independiente F.B.C

While you would see a lot of Brazilians plying their trade across the world, i guess it is not very common to see Asian professional footballers plying their trade in Latin America. However Japan and Brazil has a unique connection and Brazil is home to the largest Japanese population outside Japan. I tend to digress here.

Getting back to Yohei Iwasaki, Rangdajied United got a prize catch in him and he seems to have got in to strides already. He scored an 81st minute goal for the Rangdajied United in Shillong Premier League against Malki and was adjudged Man of the match.

Hope that Yohei Iwasaki brings in some Latin American flair and Japanese efficiency  in helping the newly promoted Shillong side Rangdajied United.

Rangdajied United will face United SC at Kolkata in their first match. The newly promoted North-Eastern club has announced their team for upcoming season –  Rangdajied announce I-League squad