Showing outstanding offensive power,
the second half of the season was plagued by injuries
DF 49 Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, one by one. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each player.
After a smooth sailing last season, this year aims for further improvement. Kashif BANGNAGANDE has showcased outstanding attacking power since the opening match and has established himself as the regular left-back. However, he suffered an injury before his goal of participating in the Paris Olympics. The rehabilitation did not progress as hoped, leading to a season filled with struggles. What thoughts did the left-back, raised in the blue-red academy, hold in his heart?
It has been a frustrating season, to say the least. In the fifth year since being promoted to the top team, Kashif BANGNAGANDE was strongly motivated ahead of the season's start, with the Paris Olympics approaching in the summer. From the time of camp, he did not hide his commitment to achieving results, and it became increasingly common to hear him express his awareness and determination as a key player. "I will do it this season!" Even with his trademark gentle smile, when I heard his reassuring words, I couldn't help but feel hopeful.
As the words suggest, the team showed outstanding performance in the early part of the season. After securing a starting position as a left back, they achieved their first victory in March against Avispa Fukuoka in Sec. 4 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist, and continued to start until the match against Sagan Tosu in Sec. 17.
Securing a solid position as a regular, he marked his second goal, which would be a career high, in the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. in Sec. 11. This also became his delightful first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium.
The accident happened just then. In early June, Yoshifumi, who participated in the final selection expedition to the United States for the Paris Olympics, was injured on site and had to leave the team. He was forced to return home and was also dropped from the main tournament roster. After that, his recovery did not progress as hoped, and days continued without improvement in his condition.
Even so, when I heard the story towards the end of the season, there was Yoshifumi who was firmly looking ahead.
"As an individual, I had a good start, my condition was improving, and I was able to produce results, so it is very frustrating to have to step away at this point. I am really disappointed that I could only contribute to the team for half of the season. However, I accept that 'getting injured is something that cannot be helped' and I am able to move forward positively. Since I cannot change the past, I believe I am focusing on what I can do now."
As we enter mid-November, we can finally see players kicking the ball on the field. "It's fun to be outside (laughs). When I see everyone playing soccer, it makes me want to play too, and I feel that desire has not weakened at all, so I want to play soon."
The eyes that spoke like that were looking straight ahead. I am looking forward to seeing Yoshifumi, who has become stronger by one or two rounds.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
