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 might be this man's year. He has been devoted to Tokyo since his school days, spanning over 10 years. Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who runs deep blue and red blood, has now come to the time to truly stand on his own.
His recent changes and growth have been remarkable. Originally making a name for himself as a left-back using his weapon of vertical breakthroughs and left-foot crosses, in his third professional season in 2022, he expanded his playing style after meeting former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, who advocated for "positional play."
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.
In Tokyo, under the management of Peter CKLAMOVSKI, who took over midway through last season, he continued to hone his skills and sharpened his proud offensive abilities. His improvement in defense, which had been a challenge, also shone through, and by the end of last season, he had firmly secured a regular starting position.
This season, expected to be fully active from the opening, his expression has been bright since the preseason, and both his 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 arise simultaneously are a reflection of his awareness as a key player, and his words reveal his resolve.
"Playing in matches comes with a great deal of responsibility. I have come to understand that without such awareness, I cannot play. Throughout last season, I felt that unless we push ourselves harder, the team will not improve, so I think it is important for each of us to actively communicate and carry out our roles with the awareness that we are the core of the team."
He is currently undergoing significant growth both in his play and mentally. With the smile that brightly lights up those around him unchanged, the moment Kashif BANGNAGANDE truly becomes a man is just around the corner.
text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
