by @GiravanzWombat

This year is the first stage of Giravanz’s plan to “hop, step and jump” to J1. After a fantastic 2014 season, hopes and expectations are high for 2015. With club hero and top scorer, Tomoki Ikemoto leav- ing to join new J1 boys, Matsumoto, who will score for Giravanz this year? Up front sees regular starter Kazuki Hara joined by Yusuke Kondo from Tochigi SC, Rui Komatsu from Oita Trinita and Shohei Otsuka from JEF United Chiba. Hara is a popular player and played in every J2 game for us last year. He said his goal for this season is to score 20 goals (13 more than in 2014) – let’s hope he does! And hopefully we can see more of exciting young forward, Daiki Watari and his celebration dance this year, too.

The midfield should remain pretty much the same this year, but two of the team’s best defenders have left. Yuki Fuji has moved to FC Gifu and Daiki Watanabe to Ventforet Kofu. Experienced defender, Hiroyuki Nishijima has come in from Yokohama FC, at time of writing, the defensive line looks undecided. Koki Otani had a great season on loan in goal but unfortunately Urawa Reds have called him back. This season former Shonan Bellmare keeper, Nobuyuki Abe will wear No.1. So a few ins and outs, but still the best-looking team in the J.League!

Giravanz Captain Kazuya Maeda wants to finish in the top three (1st or 2nd if possible). There are a few changes but I am sure that Giravanz will finish in the top six again. Whatever the result I’ll be cheering the best (J2) club in Kyushu! Kitakyushu we love you!

Shohei Otsuka (C) Giravanz Kitakyushu

Web site – www.giravanz.jp
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/GIRAVANZ.KITAKYUSHU
Twitter – @Giravanz_staff
YouTube – www.youtube.com/user/giravanzkitakyushu