Wolves recruit new Japanese star

National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s side Wollongong Wolves have secured the services of former J-League star Takeru Okada for the 2019 season.

The 24-year-old who hails from Kobe, made his way through the J-League system and was on the books of J-League outfit Cerezo Osaka, along with former Wolves striker Yuzo Tashiro.

After sustaining a knee injury, Takeru fought his way back through the Japanese leagues and also spent a year at GKS Betchatow Football Club in the Polish First Division.

On his return to Japan, he signed for FC Tiamo Hirakata in Osaka.

In 2018, Takeru decided on a trip to Australia to play football and to learn English.

He spent the 2018 with Corrimal Rangers FC in the Illawarra Premier League.

Takeru has been signed after impressing Luke Wilkshire in a number of IPL matches and was arguably the man of the match in our trial against the Central Coast Mariners in October 2018.

Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire was rapt with what he saw in Takeru.

“I was impressed by Takeru the first time I saw him play. My opinion of him has only grown since. He is very quick, direct, works hard, is dangerous from set pieces and will prove a real attacking weapon. In fact, I think he has the quality to play A-League football.”

Takeru’s signing has been facilitated by the third year of support from UOW College at the University of Wollongong.

Following on from Yuzo Tashiro and Takuya Nozawa, UOW College has continued its valuable support of the club by providing Takeru with a scholarship to participate in its General English Language course over a period of 48 weeks.

Through an interpreter, Takeru said, “I am very honored to be given this opportunity to play football and learn English. I am looking forward to helping the Wolves win and to also learn English at UOW College. It is a very nice campus. Learning English is very important to my future. I am very grateful for the opportunity.”