Latest news with #FCTokyo
The Star
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Decision to pull out of CAFA Nations Cup a strategic one, says coach Cklamovski
Peter Cklamovski during his days with FC Tokyo. - Photo by FC Tokyo PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have officially confirmed that Harimau Malaya will not be participating in the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, citing critical scheduling conflicts and player availability issues. Initially, the opportunity to take part in the prestigious regional tournament, featuring top-tier teams such as Iran and Uzbekistan, was met with enthusiasm. However, a late rescheduling of the tournament dates has now placed the competition outside of the official FIFA international window, triggering a cascade of complications. The timing issue means clubs are no longer obligated to release players, which is a major blow for Malaysia, especially given that several of their core players are based overseas in countries like Spain, Argentina, Colombia, and Japan. Without access to these talents, assembling a full-strength squad would be nearly impossible. Head coach Peter Cklamovski (pic) emphasised the broader impact of the decision. 'We have players competing in some of the world's most competitive leagues. Flying them into Central Asia without proper recovery time, with tight match turnarounds and no guarantee of release - it's not just unrealistic, it's unfair to the players and the team,' he explained. 'I would never want to compromise our players' health or field a squad that don't reflect our best potential. This is a strategic decision, we're investing in long-term performance.' Beyond player release concerns, FAM cited logistical hurdles, rising travel costs and the pressure of FIFA's 72-hour recovery rule as added strains. The compressed match schedule in a distant venue like Tajikistan would have put player welfare and match quality at risk. Instead, the Harimau Malaya will shift their focus to a full training camp in Kuala Lumpur this September, leveraging the official FIFA window to properly prepare for upcoming key fixtures, including crucial qualifiers against Laos and Nepal later this year. 'This isn't just about missing one tournament. It's about building the right foundation to ensure we're strong, healthy, and tactically ready for the challenges that truly matter,' added Cklamovski. FAM expressed gratitude to CAFA for the invitation and conveyed their best wishes for a successful tournament. 'We move forward with focus. We move forward together. See you in Kuala Lumpur this September.'
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Antwerp sign Japanese goalkeeper from FC Tokyo
The Belgian Pro League has been a proving ground for a handful of talented Japanese goalkeepers in recent seasons. Antwerp are hoping that their latest signing, Taishi Brandon Nozawa, will follow in the footsteps of Daniel Schmidt, Leo Kokubo and Zion Suzuki. The Great Old have announced that the 22-year-old goalkeeper has signed a four year deal with the club and will join at the start of July from FC Tokyo. This may well signal that they expect Sam Lammens to leave the club this summer. Nozawa had been the starting goalkeeper from FC Tokyo in the J League this season, making 16 appearances and keeping four clean sheets. However, he was dropped in May and has had sporadic appearances since then. The Japanese youth international has come through the youth system at the club, making his senior debut as a teenage during the 2020/2021 campaign. Nozawa did spend a season on loan at Iwate Grulla Morioka before returning to become the sides number one for the 2024 season. Overall, Nozawa has made 64 appearances for FC Tokyo. Unfortunately, the side have struggled this season and sit 16th after 21 games. GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kashima Antlers bring Sint Truiden defender back to the J League
Sint Truiden have announced that left-back Ryoya Ogawa has left the club to join Kashima Antlers in the J League. The 28-year-old spent a few seasons in Europe but has now returned to Japan where he started his career. Neither side has discolosed whether or not there wsa a transfer fee and how many years the defender has signed with Kashima Antlers. Ogawa, who has been capped five times by the Japanese national team, began his career with FC Tokyo. After 173 appearances and six goals for the side, he spent a season on loan in Portugal with Vitoria de Guimaraes. Ogawa only made 11 appearances for the Portuguese outfit, but remained in Europe at the end of the 2022/2023 season by joining up with Sint Truiden. Initially on loan, Ogawa was brought in permanently last summer as a replacement for Eric Bocat, who had left to join Stoke City. Despite the sides struggles in the league, Ogawa had a good season. The left-sided player played 38 games in total for the club, scoring twice and providing four assists. He now joins a Kashima Antlers side that are top of the J league, while his former club FC Tokyo are down in 18th place. GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
The Star
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Malaysia show glimpses of a new identity taking shape after draw with Cape Verde
KUALA LUMPUR: It was not a win but a performance filled with belief, grit, and glimpses of a new identity taking shape. Malaysia coach Peter Cklamovski was full of pride as Harimau Malaya battled to a 1-1 draw against world No. 72 Cape Verde at the Cheras Football Stadium on Thursday night. Despite trailing early and facing a side boasting several Europe-based talents, the Malaysians refused to bow. The hosts adapted and grew stronger as the game progressed. Cape Verde took the lead in the ninth minute through wingback Sidny Cabral, who rifled a powerful finish past the Malaysian defence. But the equaliser, when it came in the 79th minute via Paulo Josue, was well deserved, the result of sustained attacking pressure and smart substitutions from the touchline. For Cklamovski, it wasn't just about the result - it was about the process. "I am proud of the professionalism, the mindset and the way the boys carried themselves," said the Australian tactician, who previously coached FC Tokyo. "We are building something. You could see the layers in our performance, the structure from defence to attack." The match played in front of a lively home crowd, served as part one of a two-match series against Cape Verde with the return fixture set for June 3 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. While the draw was encouraging, Cklamovski is already focused on sharpening the team further. "We played a very good opponent, with world-class players in their ranks," he said. "From a defensive standpoint, we were brave. We pressed, we took risks and we improved as the game went on. With the ball, there's still a lot to improve and we will bring that into the next match." One of the biggest talking points was Cklamovski's starting 11, which featured seven local players - a bold and refreshing approach. Yet, for the coach, the talk of local, mixed heritage and naturalised players does not matter. "Whether they play abroad or in the Super League, it doesn't matter. I choose the best squad available - players who are ready to give everything for the badge," he stressed. "This camp is unique because of the off-season timing and our phased approach. But the stadium was electric, and the players responded. That connection with the fans was special. "I believe in the potential of Malaysian football. It's time to show the world what Malaysians can do." Meanwhile, Cape Verde coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito was gracious in praise for the home team. "We're not surprised with Malaysia. Rankings mean little. This is football - anyone can beat anyone," he said. "We fielded 12 new players and are trying to find our rhythm and chemistry. This was a good test and Malaysia gave us a strong game. We wish them all the best in the future."
The Mainichi
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Football: FC Tokyo bring back former Japan defender Muroya
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Former Japan defender Sei Muroya will return to FC Tokyo from German second-division club Hannover, the J-League side said Friday. Muroya spent five seasons with Hannover after moving to Germany in 2020. FC Tokyo are currently 16th in the 20-team first-division table. "I'll play hard, with conviction, to play a big part in FC Tokyo's history," the 31-year-old said in a statement. Muroya played for Japan at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
