Albirex (S) unveil Hotta as captain

Albirex Niigata (S) officially unveiled their squad for the upcoming 2013 season and announced the appointment of Shuhei Hotta as the captain of a relatively young team at a press conference held at their Jurong East Stadium clubhouse.

Club chairman Daisuke Korenaga opened the session by thanking the league’s stakeholders and everyone who has supported the club since its debut in the S.League in 2004. 

“This is our tenth season in the S.League and we have had wonderful support from all quarters since our participation; we are reaching out to more fans now, especially those in the South-West community,” said Korenaga

Coach Koichi Sugiyama ringed massive changes to the squad, with 20 new players who are mostly from Japan Soccer College, while retaining Hotta and Masatake Sato.

The Japanese have also converted two of his coaches to player-status for the upcoming campaign.

35-year-old goalkeeper Hiroaki Hara and 23-year-old Takeshi Nagasawa were previously part of the coaching staff, but will now have the opportunity to spend time on the field and guide the new players that have made the journey to Singapore.

“Usually we pick players from the J-league but this year it so happens that the university players are better and so we chose them instead,” added Korenaga.

Fans will get the opportunity to catch former Albirex Niigata (Japan) player Bruno Castanheira back in action after his stint with the Swans in 2012 hypnotised fans with his dazzling runs and magnificent display of goals. 

Sugiyama was his usual self with smiles throughout the press conference as he made known his intention for the new S.League season.

“I am happy to continue as the coach for the new season," he added.

"We ended the league in fourth and third place for the past two years and I am aiming to do better this year in all competitions.

“Our new players are all trying to adapt to our team philosophy and it is important for them to understand it and play to the coaches instruction.”

Sugiyama will certainly be looking forward to Hotta to provide the leadership his teammates need, and the 24-year-old is fully aware of his new role at the club.

“I am proud to be given this privilege as captain of the team and I will give my all to guide the players and challenge for honours in all front,” said Hotta.

“Although there are many new players, the team philosophy has not changed and the coaching staff are still the same. Most players are closer to my age and I can relate to them and work together as a team.”

Sugiyama ended the session by explaining what the White Swans philosophy is all about, adding: “We focus on player’s ability and ball technique. It is a well balanced team and I always focus on the team performance rather than on individual.” 

Albirex will be travelling up to Pasir Gudang stadium in Johor for their league opener against Harimau Muda on February 22, with the game kicking off at 845pm.

Fans will have to wait until March 11 for their home game at Jurong East stadium against Brunei DPMM as their second match of the season against Home United is scheduled as a ‘LIVE’ game and will be played at the Jalan Besar stadium.

Albirex Niigata (S) 2013 Squad List:

Goalkeepers

Defenders 

Midfielders 

Forwards 

*Players retained from 2012 S.League season