Confidence that shows in words and expressions
In a season where he pursues results as the main axis, DF 49 Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Special content introducing the all-blue and red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with as they prepare for the opening? The players' stories are filled with club love, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill. Kashif BANGNAGANDE's 2023 season was supposed to be a major turning point in his soccer career. His debut for the Japan national team and the responsibility he must fulfill in Tokyo. The left-back of the Paris Olympics generation has now grown significantly both on and off the field.
The 2024 season may be the year of this man. He has been with Tokyo since his school days. This period has been over 10 years. Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who has strong blue and red blood, is about to stand on his own.
The recent changes and growth have been remarkable. He has shown his talent as a left back by utilizing his original weapon, the left foot cross from the breakthrough to the vertical, but in the 2022 season, his third as a professional, he met with former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA who emphasized "positional play", which expanded his playing style.
Maintaining a vertical awareness, learning to use the center of the field, and gradually acquiring the positioning and passing skills for build-up play. Despite aiming for the Paris Olympics this summer as part of the U-23 Japan national team, he was also called up to the Japan national team for the first time in March of last season and made his first cap, achieving a breakthrough.
Under the guidance of Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who took over in the middle of last season, the team in Tokyo continued to improve and polish their impressive attacking power. They also showed great improvement in defense, and towards the end of last season, they were able to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
With high expectations for full operation since the opening, this season's expression has been bright since the pre-season, and both the play and words are filled with confidence.
"The most desired thing is the result. Although the number of games is gradually increasing, it is frustrating that I cannot produce results. That is something I am also demanding of myself. Compared to last season, I have a very good feeling and sense of accomplishment, so I want to make it even stronger and shape it into something good."
The confidence and determination that sprout at the same time are a manifestation of self-awareness as the main axis, and determination can be seen in those words.
"There is a great responsibility that comes with playing in a match. I have come to understand that if I do not have that awareness, I cannot play in a match. Throughout last season, I felt that if we do not play more aggressively, the team will not improve. Therefore, I believe it is important for us to proactively communicate and have the awareness that each of us is the center of the team."
In both on-field and mental aspects, he is in the midst of significant growth. With his bright smile still shining, the moment when Kashif BANGNAGANDE becomes a true man is just around the corner.
text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
