soccer

Japan's golden oldie 'King Kazu' joins new team at 54

14 Comments

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Japan's golden oldie 'King Kazu' is an inspiration to the young and to the young at heart. In veteran football leagues in our part of the world, year after year our Golden Oldies are returning to the playing fields and mesmerizing fans with their jugglery, ball control, crisp passes, nutmegging stunts, and precise shooting skills. Speed may not be their forte but all other elements appear to be intact.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

the king should make optimize his skillset and experience which at this age, he is more efficient as a manager...

History is littered with superstar ex-players who wouldnt be able to coach an under 12s team, let alone a pro team.

I say just play on, King!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

the king should make optimize his skillset and experience which at this age, he is more efficient as a manager...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Go King Kazu! Age is just a number. If you still love doing it week-in, week-out , keep going! Get some goals for the Point Getters!

Absolute legend!!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

"55 ..wow."

He's 54!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Just give it up FFS...the last time I saw him wheeled out as a late sub, it was like Mr Burns coming on

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I've been enjoying this annual story for over a decade now, despite it becoming more ludicrous every year. This fellow signed his first professional contract in 1986. I still don't think he has forgiven the JFA for leaving him out of the 1998 World Cup and is hoping for a place in the squad for Qatar.

Signing for his brother's outfit, 'Suzuka Point Getters' just makes me smile a little more.

but I don't know how much this guy has left in the tank.

Enough for 1 minute of 1 game like last season maybe.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

descendentToday 10:24 am JST

This guy is just bringing the Japanese salaryman mindset to sports. Like your typical salaryman, he probably can't even fathom a life outside his job.

So true and normally I feel it's great to see a guy of that age still doing his thing but I don't know how much this guy has left in the tank. I hope this isn't at the expense of someone deserving of that roster spot.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

If he was still doing it for a J1 or J2 team then fair enough, but the 4th tier is basically Sunday league as someone above already wrote.

I kind of feel sorry for the team he ends up playing with now because it just becomes a bit of a freak show.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

History has shown that "quitting" is not part of the mind-set produced by Japanese cultural influences and often results in lamentable consequences. I hope Kazu's last gasp attempt to stay on stage ends well for him 'cos football is not rock 'n' roll and Kazu's no Mick Jagger.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

This guy is just bringing the Japanese salaryman mindset to sports. Like your typical salaryman, he probably can't even fathom a life outside his job.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Played 1 minute last year just to keep his record going. Now joins a "Sunday league" team for publicity. He isn't really" playing" but has a love for the game which is hard to beat.

He made his Japan debut in 1990 and was famously left out of his country's squad for their first World Cup finals appearance in 1998,

This was a disgrace. Japan could have used his level head and experience.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

I like you Kazu but I think it is time to retire

0 ( +5 / -5 )

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