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Nakamura Using 'Frustration' as Energy for Titles

The Straits Times

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March 29, 2025

Kyoga Nakamura has been in Singapore for over six years, but the lack of silverware has been frustrating for the diminutive midfielder.

- Melvyn Teoh

Nakamura Using 'Frustration' as Energy for Titles

He hopes that 2025 will bring better fortunes for him and his club, BG Tampines Rovers, who face Hougang United in their final Singapore Cup Group A fixture on March 29.

The Stags need to avoid defeat by more than three goals to be certain of a semi-final spot, while the Cheetahs must draw to go through at the expense of Brunei DPMM.

The 28-year-old said: "It doesn't matter if we draw, or we lose, (as long as we qualify), but it's not our style. We just focus on what we can do, so it means we want to win."

Nakamura was part of the Tampines squad who narrowly missed out on the Cup in 2022, when they lost 3-2 to Hougang in the final.

"Of course, now I can recall the moment we sat on the bench and (watched them as) they carried the trophy," added Nakamura.

"Every year, we have a chance to become champions because we have talented players, a good coach and good staff. So it's only momentum and motivation... And we want to use frustration as energy to get the next title."

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