Singapore is a place Kyoga Nakamura now proudly calls home.
So naturally, after a brief stint in Thailand, he was eager to return to familiar surroundings.
With six seasons of Singapore Premier League (SPL) experience under his belt, beginning at Albirex Niigata (S) before a five-year stint with BG Tampines Rovers, the 29-year-old had already established himself as one of the league’s standout performers.
As such, when the opportunity arose to join the Lion City Sailors, Kyoga knew the time was right for the next chapter of his career.
“The environment at the Sailors is one of the best in Asia. The training centre facilities here are better than even some top J.League clubs, so I was really surprised the first time I arrived,” Kyoga reflected.
“From food and recovery to training and the gym, they provide us with everything. I’ve really enjoyed it, but it also comes with responsibility.”
Kyoga marked his arrival in style, helping the Sailors lift the Singapore Cup within his first week at the club. One month on, he is even more convinced that the team can achieve greater success, believing their edge extends well beyond what they show on the pitch.
“There are two things that set the Sailors apart,” he explained. “Firstly, this is a champion club. Everyone is hungry, wanting to win every match and defend the title. Secondly, the facilities are top-notch, from recovery to nutrition and everything in between.”
The Sailors have won all five matches Kyoga has featured in so far, even as he gradually adapts to his new surroundings.
Traditionally deployed as a central midfielder, Kyoga has also been tasked with operating on the right, a challenge he has embraced. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone has already paid dividends, with assists in consecutive matches highlighting his growing influence.
“Usually I play in central midfield, but here I’ve sometimes had to play on the right, so I need time to adapt,” he admitted. “I always try my best for the team and I’m confident I can perform even better in the near future.”
Born in Chiba, Kyoga was once regarded as one of Japan’s brightest prospects. A youth product of JEF United Chiba, he represented Japan at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he played against sides such as Sweden and Tunisia.
That grounding has shaped a player unafraid to express himself, and Sailors fans have already been treated to glimpses of his technical quality and creativity in recent outings.
“I have the confidence to show my abilities during matches. Of course, we want to win every game, but as professional footballers, we also have to show that football is exciting and enjoyable for the fans,” he said.
Kyoga now finds himself in a high-quality dressing room, alongside Singapore internationals he knows well and foreign imports who boast top-level pedigree.
In particular, Kyoga singled out two teammates who have impressed him since he began training and playing alongside them.
“Before I arrived, I already knew about Anderson (Lopes) because he was the top scorer in the J1 League,” said Kyoga. “I’m really impressed by him. He’s not only a great goalscorer, but also a top personality.”
On midfield partner Tsiy Ndenge, he added: “Tsiy is a player who has everything…creativity, dribbling and power. He was a top player in Switzerland and I want to learn from someone like him because my target is always to become a better version of myself every day.”
For Kyoga, who has been named in the SPL Team of the Year on four occasions, humility remains central to his character. Improvement, in his eyes, is a constant pursuit.
That mindset will be vital as the Sailors navigate a period of transition following the departure of former head coach Aleksandar Ranković last week. For Kyoga, however, the focus remains unchanged.
“Ranko was in charge for two and a half years and created a lot of history here,” he said. “But as professionals, even if the head coach and staff change, our attitude stays the same, as we aim to give our maximum every day.”
Next up for the Sailors is a clash with Noh Alam Shah’s Tanjong Pagar United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (15 February).
Having faced the Jaguars 17 times in his career, Kyoga is fully expecting another stern test this weekend.
“Matches against Tanjong Pagar aren’t easy. They can be intense and tough,” he noted. “We should have scored more in the previous match against Young Lions, so I hope we take our chances next time. We want to keep this momentum going until the end of the season.”
A perfect 10 wins from 10 in the SPL would mark another significant step in the Sailors’ bid to defend their crown, and Kyoga is fully focused on sustaining that momentum in the months ahead.
“The Sailors are a champion club and we aim to lift the SPL title,” he said. “I know the expectations are high over here, and that’s what motivates me to deliver more. We want to deliver strong performances and enjoy every match with our fans.”
