Now, toward a full comeback "I am the one who wishes for it the most"
DF 6 Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who suffered an injury in the 2024 season that lingered, had no opportunity to take the pitch in his best condition for about a year and a half. Having experienced frustration many times, he is finally continuing to fully join team training from the start of the new season. What are the feelings hidden behind this, and the image he envisions of himself──.
In recent years, Kashif BANGNAGANDE has endured more difficult times than anyone else.
In the six years from his promotion to the top team through the 2025 season, there were many seasons when he was close to securing a regular spot. However, he was never able to play a full season due to repeated injuries, and last season was no different, even though he wore the number 6 jersey—synonymous with the blue and red left side—for the first time. In the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, he appeared in only eight matches, quietly enduring days filled with frustration.
Still, the expression he wore on the first day of this season’s start was bright. "At the end of last season, I worked with the trainer team with the goal of joining practice at the beginning of the new year, so being able to fully participate in today’s practice was a big deal," he said, and the strong feeling that this season would be different was clearly conveyed.
During the period he was sidelined, he not only underwent rehabilitation for his injury but also experienced significant mental growth by confronting himself. With his familiar radiant smile, he said, "I think I've become considerably stronger," putting that change into confident words.
“When I think about my soccer career, but also as a person, I believe this past year and a half has been the period where I faced myself the most. There were times when I wanted to play soccer but couldn’t, and even when I could, I always played with anxiety — an experience I hadn’t really had before. I think I’ve grown a lot in how I handle myself and those around me when things don’t go well. I’ve become less shaken by small incidents, and the mental ups and downs naturally disappeared.”
Kashifu, who is once again savoring the joy of running at full speed on the pitch, kicking the ball with all his might, and challenging his opponents with serious competition, faces himself with both fiery determination and calmness as he prepares for the new season.
"Right now, being able to play soccer is truly a blessing and incredibly fun. First and foremost, I won’t forget to be grateful for that. For me, this half-season is a crucial battle. I want to face my body carefully, day by day, and keep working hard."
And finally, when I said, "Everyone is waiting for Kashifu's left foot," he responded with a dazzling smile.
"I'm waiting too, for the day I can show it at Ajinomoto Stadium. That's my greatest wish."
Without rushing or panicking. But steadily moving forward, number 6 eagerly awaits the day he can shine at Ajinomoto Stadium.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Daisuke Suga
