Taiki the raging Rhino

Back in Asia: Taiki Kagayama in action with his former club Inter Turku in Finland. — veikkausliga.com

PETALING JAYA: Japanese playmaker Taiki Kagayama hopes to make an immediate impact with Sabah in the Super League.

Sabah will be his first Asian team as a professional after leaving Finnish club Inter Turku.

The 25-year-old said he was in search of a new environment.

“I’ve always been looking for opportunities to raise my standard. One of the biggest reasons why I came here is because of coach Ong (Kim Swee),” said Kagayama.

“In my opinion, a footballer should play for a coach who values him and this is the vibe that I got from him.

“I hope to score goals and accomplish the targets set by the club. I hope it would be a good season.”

Kagayama turned professional three years ago in Finland and played for Ykkonen (first division), MuSa and KPV, before making his big move to Veikkausliiga (premier division) club Inter Turku in 2020.

In his first year, he helped them finish second and qualify for the Europa League, and last year, they ended fourth.

During his youth football days in Japan, he was part of the JFA Academy Fukushima before moving to Kansai University, where he played from 2015 to 2018.

Kagayama said he was excited to get his first taste of Asian pro football.

“I have been following the games in Malaysia and I believe the level and environment is getting better.

“It’s certainly improving, that’s for sure,” he added.

“I’m impressed with the passion shown by the supporters. A professional player thrives on such atmosphere and I believe I’m at the right place.”

Besides Kagayama, the other foreign signings are Brazilians – centreback Jackson Souza and striker Neto Pessoa.

Last year, Sabah finished ninth in the Super League and qualified for the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup.