Hisashi Kurosaki: Coaching Football Amidst Turmoil in Myanmar
A New Chapter in Coaching
Hisashi Kurosaki, a retired Japanese footballer and former national team forward, has embarked on an ambitious new role as the head coach of Myanmar’s under-22 men’s national team. Since February, Kurosaki has endeavored to revitalize the country’s football scene, aiming to guide his team to the finals of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) at year’s end. This quest comes at a challenging time, surrounded by civil strife and natural calamities, yet Kurosaki remains steadfast in his commitment to making Myanmar a soccer powerhouse once again.
The Draw to Myanmar
Kurosaki was initially drawn to Myanmar by a desire to contribute positively to a nation rich in sporting potential. Having previously coached a Chinese professional team, he was looking for a new challenge within the fast-evolving landscape of Southeast Asian football. His decision was significantly influenced by the enthusiasm and dedication he observed in the Myanmar football community during a pre-contract visit to Yangon.
“When I visited Yangon, I felt the passion of the Myanmar Football Association and all the instructors wanting to uplift the country through soccer,” Kurosaki recalled. His initial impressions were filled with hope as he recognized the potential for growth and development.
Navigating Adversity
However, the journey has not been easy. Since the military coup in 2021, which plunged Myanmar into civil unrest, the challenges of coaching have multiplied. With ongoing security concerns forcing the Myanmar first division matches to be centralized in Yangon, the players miss the invaluable experiences that come with home and away games. The sense of division among citizens further complicates the national team’s efforts, as some view it through a political lens, associating it with the military regime.
Adding to the adversity, a powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar in March, claiming thousands of lives and straining the already fragile infrastructure responsible for the country’s sports. Amid these struggles, many football enthusiasts, including Kurosaki, believe that soccer can serve as a catalyst for hope and unity.
The Training Struggles
Living and working in Yangon has allowed Kurosaki and his players to escape the worst of the violence, but it comes with its own set of limitations. The economic downturn, projected by the World Bank to decrease Myanmar’s GDP by 2.5% this fiscal year, has led to a decline in investments and resources in football. Facilities are already limited, and now multiple national squads must share training fields, making consistent practice difficult.
“It is troublesome to coordinate with the teams to decide which one will use which practice ground,” lamented Kurosaki. He also expressed concern over the nutritional deficiencies affecting many players, which impede both their fitness and performance on the field.
Building Mental Resilience
Kurosaki draws from his own experiences in the J.League, where he witnessed the importance of responsibility and mental toughness. His tenure with Japan’s national team and specifically the infamous “Tragedy of Doha,” where Japan missed out on the 1994 World Cup, taught him vital lessons about overcoming adversities.
“This is a moment for them to learn, lose, and improve,” he asserts. While many players may currently display mental fragility, he believes that accumulation of tough experiences will eventually forge a stronger mentality.
A Historical Context
Myanmar’s football history resonates deeply with Kurosaki. Despite its current FIFA ranking of 160, the country once boasted a successful legacy, winning gold medals in the Asian Games in 1966 and 1970. The determination to revive this glory inspires Kurosaki as he works with young talent, aiming to reignite the sparkle of Myanmar football on a broader Asian stage.
Heartening Developments
Amidst these challenges, there are rays of hope in the Myanmar football landscape. Earlier this year, the women’s national team clinched an international championship under the guidance of former J.Leaguer Tetsuro Uki, showcasing that success is indeed possible. Kurosaki envisions a similar resurgence for the men’s program and is dedicated to providing young athletes with the training and mental fortitude they need to succeed.
“I’m here to help them achieve that goal,” Kurosaki affirms, embodying the resilience and hope that he wishes to instill in his players. His belief in the power of soccer as a unifying force remains a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy in this complex, rapidly changing environment.