Zesco United recently completed the signing of 33 year old Kosuke Nakamachi on a two year deal. The defensive midfielder opted to go to Zesco United over the team he had been with for 6 years and who had offered him a two year extension. We decided to have a look at the midfielder to see what the Zesco fans can look forward to seeing from him in the coming season.
He began his footballing career in 2004 playing for J2 league team Shonan Bellmare as a free transfer. In 2010 he was snatched up by Avispa Fukuoka. While there he provided career high 12 goals and 5 assists in 59 games, a respectable contribution for a defensive midfielder. He played so well in that year that he earned his team promotion to the J1, came runner-up for player of the season and was entrusted with the captain’s armband.
In 2013, then at Yokohama F. Marinos, he was a part of the team that lifted Japan’s oldest football cup, the Emperor’s Cup. This is a tournament in a knockout format similar to the FA Cup. It involves teams from all of Japan’s football divisions to play against each. Nakamachi was in fact the one who provided Yuji Nakazawa with the assist for the goal that sealed the win for his side.
Looking at his statistics, his teams are likely to win at least a point per game. This is a statistic he’s kept throughout his career. In fact for most of his career he averages 1.5 points per game. What this means is that he will provide much needed reliability and fortification ahead of Zesco’s defense. This reliability, coupled with Nakamachi’s experience is something Zesco will need if they are to win the title this year.
One may ask ‘Why come to Zambia?’. The answer is his love for the country and the joy of football. This love for Zambia was fostered through charity runs he was a part of. The charity runs saw him deliver footballs to children of the region. The joy of the children receiving brand new equipment made him realise the importance of football as a source of joy for people and, in turn, himself.
It is hoped he can provide Zesco fans with a similar joy this season. Zesco needed more depth in their squad as they try to win multiple competitions including the MTN/FAZ league as well as the CAF Confederation Cup. With Nakamachi’s experience and solid history, it looks like he is the answer to Lwandamina’s woes. Needless, he will at least be a positive influence in the locker room whilst being competition for Kondwani Mtonga.
A betting person would look at Nakamachi’s history and Zesco United’s good form and keep a keen eye both on the Japanese veteran and Lwandamina’s men. For more info and up to date results visit Betway Zambia online soccer betting at Betway.co.zm