Born in Japan, Tampines Rovers midfielder Kyoga Nakamura could be Singapore’s newest Lion

The winger, who made three images for Japan at the under-17 World Cup in 2013, had a baptism of fire.

” It was the first day I could not get days. Before I was a skilled player, I would often enjoy 90 days, 75 days”, Nakamura recalled.

Additionally, Nakamura may be exhausted from strain during training classes because of the severe contest for a place in the starting eleven.

” There were so many good people, but little competition in the group and I lost confidence”, he said.

After being sent off on a few loan spells to teams one level below, the lad was later put back on track.

“( In J3 ) I could get the chance to play and I got the confidence… That’s why I continued to try to improve”.

Next came an option from Singapore, via the president of Albirex Niigata Singapore team, Daisuke Korenaga. Nakamura received another present the year after declining an preliminary offer.

This time, he was never afraid to take it up, he said, adding that he wanted a different culture.

Albirex’s fresh number 10 made a good start, earning nominees for the Fresh Player of the Year and Goal of the Season prizes.

A number of offers came in from other club clubs following this outstanding debut season.

But Nakamura, who likewise skippered Albirex, &nbsp, finally opted for Tampines Rovers for their “philosophy, rules and environment”.

Finding HIS PASSION

Nakamura even picked up English as he transitioned to Singaporean living through online classes and apps.

” When I came to Tampines, I had to learn English because almost ( all the ) players are local and I need to communicate with them both in and out of the game”, he explained. Connections are one of football’s most crucial components.

In the end, Nakamura expressed his attention to team president Desmond Ong and brain coach Gavin Lee, and the topic of representing Singapore eventually came up.

” It’s an glory to play around and remain here. Singapore is a lovely country with many nations and great people”, said Nakamura, who in 2022 accepted a five- time commitment improvement.

Singapore “has given me so many things,” he said. I would like to add and that’s why I want to get Taiwanese”.