My Japanese friend: Katsumi Yusa drops in to meet ‘ex-coach’

It was a reunion of sorts for I-League-winning former Mohun Bagan forward Katsumi Yusa with his ex-coach Yoshiro Moriyama as he dropped in at the Japanese training session ahead of their FIFA U-17 World Cup pre quarter-final clash against England, in Kolkata on Tuesday.

A popular player in Kolkata maidan, Katsumi owes much of his success to the Japanese U-17 coach, who will turn 50 next month.

Katsumi began his youth career at the Sanfrecce Hiroshima under the coaching of Moriyama and considers himself like a “father figure”.

“He’s like a father figure to me. It was really exciting to see him and the Japanese team here. I will come and support my country tomorrow. I’m 100 per cent confident of a Japanese victory,” Katsumi , who will be seen in East Bengal colours this season, said.

Katsumi met the team before their training at the Salt Lake Stadium and spent more than an hour talking to his fellow countrymen.