Kuwata out for redemption in Premier League decider
Yuya Kuwata has forged a strong career in the Illawarra Premier League since leaving the Japanese lower leagues for Bellambi in 2015. The goalkeeper couldn’t prevent the Rosellas from relegation, however, his acrobatic shot-stopping and pinpoint distribution earned him a move to Bulli in 2016.
Since joining the Balls Paddock club, Kuwata has become one of the League’s premier custodians having helped the side clinch back-to-back League Championships in 2017 and 2018 as well as the 2017 Bert Bampton Cup. His fine performances in 2017 saw him receive the Golden Glove — the first and only Visa player to claim the award.
Kuwata claimed the accolade a month after being a part of Bulli’s gut-wrenching penalty shootout defeat to Port Kembla. He explains how those two moments have led to him pushing himself even further this season, in order to help his side take an extra step at Win Stadium on Sunday.
“[The 2017 Grand Final] was one of the most memorable games of my life,” Kuwata said.
“I was in great condition and my performance was good too, but as an international player as well as a keeper, it was regretful that we could not get the title as a consequence of a penalty shootout.”
“[Winning the Golden Glove] was my greatest pleasure. This award made me want to win the [Grand Final this year] and get the title that we could not get last year.”
“I moved down to Bulli to help focus [getting to this day again]. I have been preparing by watching other games to be prepared to play any team that could [made the Grand Final].”
Kuwata admits he has a few butterflies heading into Sunday’s decider with Wollongong United. The 28-year-old will be one of five Japanese players involved in the match along with teammate Kenji Takahashi and United’s Kazuto Kushida, Daisuke Yuzawa and Kenta Azechi.
“Although I am a little bit nervous now, I am stoked to play on the amazing field at Win Stadium,” Kuwata said.
“I am friends with them all. They are also good players, so I have to be careful.”
Even though Yuya’s English is much better than my Japanese, the interview for this article was conducted via Google Translate.
