Now, towards a complete comeback"I wish for it the most myself"
DF 6 Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Introducing all the Blue-Red warriors participating in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League 2026 season in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What kind of thoughts do the players hold, and with what determination are they preparing to face the special half-season tournament and the year ahead?
Kashif BANGNAGANDE has been struggling with an injury sustained in the 2024 season, which kept him from playing on the pitch in his best condition for about a year and a half. Having experienced frustration many times, he has finally been fully participating in team training since the start of the new season. Behind this lies his hidden feelings and the vision he has for himself.
In recent years, Kashif BANGNAGANDE has gone through tougher times than anyone else.
Since being promoted to the top team, there were many seasons over the six years up to the 2025 season where he almost secured a regular spot. However, he was repeatedly sidelined by injuries and never managed to play a full season. The same was true last season when he wore the number 6 jersey, a symbol of the left side for the red and blue, for the first time. In the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, he only appeared in 8 matches and spent his days quietly reflecting on his frustrations.
Even so, the expression he showed on the first day of this season's start was bright. "At the end of last season, I was working with the trainer team with the goal of joining practice at the beginning of the new year, so being able to fully participate in today's practice was significant," he said, conveying a strong feeling that this season is the one for him.
During the period of absence, not only did I undergo rehabilitation for the injured area, but I also felt significant mental growth by facing myself. With his familiar radiant smile, he said, "I think I've become considerably stronger," expressing this change with confident words.
"When I think about my soccer career, but also as a person, I believe this past year and a half has been the period where I faced myself the most. There were times when I wanted to play soccer but couldn't, and even when I could, I always played with anxiety, which was an experience I hadn't really had before. I think I grew a lot in how I handle myself and others when things don't go well. I became less shaken by small events, and the ups and downs of my mental state naturally disappeared."
Kashifu, who is once again experiencing the joy of running at full speed on the pitch, kicking the ball with all his might, and challenging his opponents to a serious match, faces himself with fierce determination yet calmness as he prepares for the new season.
"I am truly happy and having a lot of fun being able to play soccer right now. First and foremost, I want to always remember to be grateful for that. For me, this half-season is a crucial challenge. I want to face my body carefully each and every day and give it my all."
And finally, when I said, "Everyone is waiting for Yoshifu's left foot," he responded with a brilliant smile.
"I am also waiting for the day when I can show that at Ajinomoto. I am the one who wishes for it the most."
Without rushing or panicking. But steadily moving forward, number 6 is eagerly awaiting the day to shine at Ajinomoto Stadium.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Daisuke Suga
