Olympic Football Club have announced the addition of Japanese attacker Tasuku Sekiya for the remainder of the 2020 NPL Queensland season.
Sekiya arrives at Goodwin Park with a reputation as one of the NPL’s brightest stars, having won Player of the Year honours in New South Wales and Victoria in 2018 & 2019 respectively.
The 27-year-old arrives at Olympic from Avondale where he appeared 32 times, scoring six goals for the 2019 NPL Victoria losing Grand Finalists with his performances earning him the 2019 Football Victoria Bill Fleming Media Player of the Year award.
Prior to his season in Victoria, Sekiya plied his trade at NPL NSW heavyweights APIA Leichhardt Tigers where he scored 15 goals in 26 matches during the 2018 campaign, being crowned NPL NSW Player of the Year.
He captured nation-wide attention during the Tigers’ 2018 FFA Cup run, scoring a brace in a 3-2 giant killing win over Hyundai A-League side Melbourne Victory.
Sekiya had previously played for lower league Japanese outfit Waseda United before taking his football career Down Under.
Olympic’s new number 14 said he couldn’t wait to get going in red and white.
“I’m feeling very lucky to be playing football, obviously, Victoria is locked down and the season has been cancelled,” Sekiya said.
“I was considering going back to Japan, but Kazuya (Ito) called me and the opportunity came up to play here so I went for it.
“I had a few clubs calling me from Sydney & Adelaide but Olympic made the most effort to help me get out of Victoria and Kazuya called me every day.
“Everyone at the Club made a lot of effort for me, so I chose this Club.
“I’ve been impressed so far, the Club looks good, and everyone has been really welcoming to me and are looking after me,” Sekiya said.
Sekiya, who can play anywhere across the front three or as an attacking midfielder began training with his new team-mates this week, saying he’d been impressed with what he’d seen of the club so far.
“Ben (Cahn) has been great and the set up has been very professional, I want to help the team win and score as many goals as I can.”
Olympic FC Head Coach, Ben Cahn said the club were delighted to have brought Sekiya onboard for the remainder of the season.
“We’re very lucky to have Suki with us. Obviously, Kazuya (Ito) played a really important role in helping to bring him here.”
“We’re very thankful to Avondale, who were very accommodating and great to deal with.
“His attitude’s been great and he’s settled in well this week.
“He’s aware of the club’s financial position. He’s obviously taken a big cut, but just wants to play football, add to our environment and help us pursue finals football.”
Sekiya is available for selection for Saturday’s NPL Queensland Round 24 clash against Redlands United at Compass Grounds.
