Katsuhiro Kusaki

Early Life

Katsuhiro Kusaki was born on April 12, 1962, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. His passion for football led him to pursue a career in the sport, and after graduating from high school, he joined Yanmar Diesel in 1981. During his time with Yanmar, Kusaki contributed to the team's success, helping them secure the JSL Cup in both 1983 and 1984.

Career

Kusaki's professional career saw him play for several clubs in Japan. After a successful stint at Yanmar Diesel, he moved to Cerezo Osaka, where he played from 1981 until 1992. In 1992, he joined Gamba Osaka, continuing to showcase his skills as a midfielder. His career came to a close in 1994 when he returned to his local club, Kyoto Purple Sanga, where he played until his retirement later that same year.

In addition to his club career, Kusaki also represented the Japan national team. He made his debut on January 27, 1988, in a match against the United Arab Emirates, and went on to play two games for his country that year.

Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Kusaki transitioned into coaching. He began his managerial career with Sagawa Express Osaka in 1997, taking on the role of manager in 1998 and leading the team until 1999. He later managed Sagan Tosu and ALO's Hokuriku from 2003 to 2006. His coaching journey continued through various institutions, including Kansai University of International Studies and Seibi University, before he took the helm at Amitie SC Kyoto, where he was terminated in September 2017.