Hiroshi Soejima

Early Life

Hiroshi Soejima was born on July 26, 1959, in Saga, Japan. He began his football journey at a young age, showcasing his talent early on. After graduating from high school, he joined Yanmar Diesel in 1978, where he would begin to make a name for himself in the world of football.

Playing Career

Soejima's professional career took off when he was promoted to the top team of Yanmar Diesel in 1980. That same year, he helped the club secure the championship in the Japan Soccer League and earned a spot on the Best Eleven. His time at Yanmar Diesel was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Emperor's Cup in 1983 and 1984. In 1991, he transitioned to the Kashima Antlers, where he played for one season before retiring in 1992. On the international stage, Soejima made his debut for the Japan national team on June 9, 1980, against Hong Kong, and he played a total of three matches for his country that year.

Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Soejima embarked on a coaching career, starting with the Kashima Antlers in 1992. He later took on roles at Gamba Osaka and returned to Cerezo Osaka as a manager in 2000. His coaching journey continued with stints at Sagan Tosu and Vissel Kobe, and he eventually returned to Cerezo Osaka to manage the youth team until 2008. In 2010, he took the helm at Thespa Kusatsu and later moved to Thailand in 2015 to manage Ayutthaya, showcasing his versatility and commitment to developing football talent.