Q1: Season 9 Preview

With season 9 approaching fast, Hiroshima has been very busy with off-season signings, and training camp. There has been very little but football on both the staff, and players' minds alike. As they prepare for the season opener, the team realizes the energy they are instilling into the city, but also realizes the pressure that comes with that. Many Godai Hiroshima fans have been showing up to training camps to watch the players show off their skills, and are excited about the upcoming season.

Head coach Aki Hayashi named Osami Okada, a 31 year-old Japanese born player, team captain immediately after signing him. Hayashi commented:

"Okada is the type of player we want to lead this team. He is a native of Hiroshima and already has formed a positive relationship with the fans. It was a no-brainer to pick up this talented veteran to lead our team through its first season. Some argue a few of the foreign players we signed have better leadership skills and more talent, but until they get adjusted to the new city and language, we have a great captain and ambassador in Okada".

The team made nine free agent signings in total, while shipping away Masashi, and both Motohashi brothers to Hyōgo Tajima-ushi FC. You can look forward to see the following players suit up in red and gray this season highlighted by hot goalkeeping prospect, Ronaldo Conceição:

26 year old - Izumo Sho (Japan) GK - $201,000 p/y 1-year
31 year old - Kosami Okada (Japan) F - $226,000 p/y 3-year
20 year old - Ronaldo Conceição (Portugal) GK - $651,000 p/y 5-year
30 year old - Figo de Sequeira (Portugal) F - $301,000 p/y 4-year
27 year old - Rigoberto Marmolexo (USA) D - $95,623 p/y 3-year (+$81,001)
28 year old - Jarvis Gallardo (USA) M - $228,000 p/y 3-year
26 year old - Jaime de Brito (Portugal) F - $128,000 p/y 3-year (+$101,239)
25 year old - Moises Francisco (Portugal) D - $90,000 p/y 3-year (+$61,777)
29 year old - Marco Hugo (Portugal) D - $95,000 p/y 3-year (+$33,233)

*Signing bonus amounts are in brackets

Head coach Aki Hayashi commented on the signings, and addressed the depth chart.

"I figure we fixed our weak defensive starting lineup by making three big defense signings. We brought in an experienced midfielder to help the boys along. We brought in, by our standards, three solid forwards who are all capable of putting the ball in the back of the net. We've tooled around with different formations, but with our three signings at forward, compared to only one at midfield, you are likely to see us in a 4-3-3 to start the season. We also can't forget we signed a 20 year old Portuguese goalkeeper to a 5-year contract. He is the franchise goalkeeper we went out looking to sign this season and we expect him to continue his development. He will be our starting keeper over Izumo Sho. We have depth, but I'll be the first to admit that it is weak. We will fix that in the off-seasons ahead".

Godai Hiroshima's season opener is against FC Workman on 3/8. FC Workman finished thirteenth in the J-League last season. Hiroshima's home opener is versus last year's J-League champions, the Giant Robots. Tickets are still available. Here are the first five league games on Godai Hiroshima's schedule:

3/8 @ FC Workman #13
3/9 Vs Giant Robots #1
3/10 Vs Butterflies of Death #15
3/11 @ Hyōgo Tajima-ushi FC #2
3/12 @ Glen Allen Death Touch #14

Finally, the captain's and coach's outlook on the season. Here is what 31 year old captain Kosami Okada had to say:

"Well, the season is finally here. I'm honored to be leading this team as captain in the inaugural season. It will be a job of tremendous pressure but I believe myself, and this team will handle the pressures just fine. It will be tough as a first year team in a prestigious league in its ninth season, but we will fight hard. On behalf of the team I promise my native city of Hiroshima that we will fight, and put in our best efforts every game. You may not see us win every game, but we'll be in it till the end". When asked, Okada denied that the speech was previously rehearsed saying it was just "natural charisma".

"Lets be realistic here" stated head coach Aki Hayashi. "Not a lot of these players are going to be acquiring a starting position next season, or even sticking around to see a second season of professional soccer. I don't mean to sound like an ass, but that's the life of an expansion club. We have to constantly develop and move forward. There is only one way to keep your spot on this team, and that is to produce. I send out that challenge to all my players hoping that they will meet it, and do their best. With that being said I honestly do not have a clue where we will finish in the season. I would like to at least finish in the top fifteen of the league in order to say we competed in a great league during our first year as a team".

Godai Hiroshima and the Mazda Motor Corporation look forward to seeing you at Hiroshima Stadium on 3/9 to cheer on your team against the Giant Robots!