Singapore footballer Kyoga Nakamura leaves SPL for Thailand, seeking to improve himself

SINGAPORE – In more than six years in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), Kyoga Nakamura amassed more than 140 appearances and established himself as one of the competition’s best players.

His stint here also saw him make history when he became a Singaporean citizen and went on to be the first Japan-born footballer to don the Lions kit. 

But the time has come for the 29-year-old midfielder to test himself again in uncharted waters. 

On June 29, Thai giants Bangkok United announced that they have signed Nakamura from BG Tampines Rovers. The Straits Times understands that it is a one-year contract. 

Nakamura said: “When I heard that clubs outside Singapore were interested in me, I had to think seriously about it and I felt that now is the time to challenge myself and play at an even higher level.

“At a club like Bangkok United, where there are a lot of talented players, it provides a very competitive situation and I think that kind of tough environment is where I can really improve. That is what I want for myself.”

Nakamura, who also received interest from other clubs in Thailand and Malaysia, said he is “happy but sad” to leave Tampines, adding: “To be honest, I am not nervous or scared about going to Thailand. Most of all sad, because I really love the club (Tampines) and Singapore is my home.

“But I have to go outside my comfort zone, to be a better player and to improve Singapore football.”

Since moving from Japanese third-tier outfit Yokohama Sports and Culture Club to SPL side Albirex Niigata in 2019, Nakamura – a left-footed central midfielder – has established himself as one of the league’s best players, illustrated by his SPL Team of the Year inclusions in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023.

The former Japan Under-17 international satisfied Fifa’s five-year residency rule to turn out for an adopted country at senior level and attained permanent residency in March 2024 before being granted Singapore citizenship seven months later. 

Nakamura, who has 10 caps for Singapore, said he was especially grateful to his Tampines coach Gavin Lee – who left the club earlier in June – and then chairman Desmond Ong for putting their trust in him over the years. 

In a Facebook post, Tampines wished Nakamura well for the next chapter of his footballing journey, describing him as an “instrumental figure over the past five seasons” and “a driving force in our midfield”. 

Coached by Totchtawan Sripan, the iconic Sembawang Rangers midfielder who played in the S.League from 1999 to 2003, Bangkok finished second in the 16-team Thai League 1 in the 2024-25 season, just a point behind champions Buriram United. That clinched them an AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite play-off spot against Chinese Super League side Chengdu Rongcheng in China on Aug 12, with the losers playing in the ACL Two group stage.

Beyond the chance to play in the ACL Elite, Nakamura said the Thai League’s style of play also convinced him to make the move. 

The deep-lying midfield orchestrator said: “I feel I can fit into Thai football well. I hope to provide assists for my teammates. Bangkok United are also quite similar to Tampines because they like to dominate possession, so I think this will be good for me too.”

He will find a familiar face at their True BG Stadium home. Also making the move from Tampines to Bangkok is Japanese forward Seia Kunori, who scored thrice when the Stags beat Bangkok 1-0 and lost 4-2 in last season’s ACL2.

Nakamura, who has two daughters – a three-year-old and a younger one born in Singapore in September 2024 – will also have his family by his side in Thailand. 

He will also be accompanied by several other Singaporean footballers who will ply their trade for Thai clubs in the upcoming season, which is expected to kick off in August. 

They include the Fandi brothers – Irfan (Port FC), Ikhsan (Ratchaburi) and Ilhan (Buriram) – M. Anumanthan (Kanchanaburi Power), Jordan Emaviwe (BG Pathum United) and Bill Mamadou (Nakhon Ratchasima), with more expected to follow. 

Japanese striker Tomoyuki Doi, who set the 44-goal SPL scoring record with Geylang International last season, has also been prised away by Pathum.

When asked about the number of Singaporeans set to play in Thailand next season, Nakamura said: “The more we have playing in good leagues, the better for the national team.”

While Nakamura leaves Tampines, the Stags have strengthened their defensive midfield options with the signing of Jacob Mahler. The 25-year-old Singaporean joins from Thai side Muangthong United, having missed most of last season with a serious knee injury.