Pune: Pune FC has signed Japanese Daisuke Nishiguchi as their Asian player for the 2012-13 I-League season.
Daisuke joins Pune FC for a one-season deal from FC Olimpia Balti Moldova, a side that figures in Divizia Naţională, the top division in Moldovan football. The Osaka-born Daisuke was part of the squad that finished fifth in 2011-12.
For Daisuke playing on the Indian subcontinent will be his first ever feat. The 23-year-old will fit the role of both a withdrawn striker and attacking midfielder.
Interestingly, the alternative to sign an Asian player came after Arata Izumi was granted Indian citizenship recently.
Daisuke’s move comes after playing out full season in Moldova. Apart from the European experience, he boasts of being a product of the famed Cerezo Osaka Academy, a J. League Division 1 team that is known to have provided Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa a platform to showcase his talent.
Pune FC finalized the Japanese player after closely overseeing six trialists, which included three Koreans, two Japanese, and one Australian. Daisuke practised with the team for almost two weeks in Goa then travelled with the Pune FC squad for the Durand Cup to New Delhi.
Figuring in short spells when on trial, Daisuke featured in five of the six friendlies Pune FC played in Goa. In the final friendly against Churchill Brothers, Daisuke scored in the 2-2 draw.
Daisuke’s quick adaptation to Indian conditions - the humidity in Goa to the sultry and hot weather in New Delhi – did not pose to be a bother leading to him earning the nod.
During his stay with the team, Daisuke managed to settle in with his ex-countryman Arata helping out as part-time translator. Having mixed with the squad well, Daisuke brings to Pune FC the energy to catalyze the team.
Pune FC Coach Derrick Pereira explained, "He is a utility player, versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally. He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to Pune Football Club. We are delighted that he has joining us."
Pune FC has thus completed their foreigner quota for the season. Central defender Chika Wali (Nigeria), central midfielder Douhou Pierre (Ivory Coast) and striker James Moga (South Sudan) are the others apart from Daisuke.
By Indian Sports News Network
