New Platinum Stars coach Steve Komphela is set to make South African soccer history if he signs Japanese striker Norikazu Murakami.
If the deal is finalised and Komphela said it should be concluded by the end of the week then Murakami will become the first Japanese born player to feature in the Premier Soccer League.
Murakami and Stars other trialist another striker Alton Meiring from Moroka Swallows both shone for Stars as guest players during Saturday Telkom Charity Cup in which they helped Stars defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in the semifinals and were beaten 4-2 on a penalty shootout by cup holders Orlando Pirates in a hard fought final.
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Murakami scored in the 12th minute against Bucs only to have that goal cancelled out when Pirates defender Rooi Mahamutsa levelled the match with a controversial and hotly disputed penalty in the 68th minute to force the final into a penalty shootout.
Komphela said that both Murakami and Meiring would be offered a contract with Stars.
"We are busy finalising a deal with Murakami who I rate highly. I have really been impressed by him. He has played in the J-League in Japan and played in Brazil. He really is a good player and I want to sign him as I know he will be an asset to Stars. But you would have to ask the clubs management about the deal However, Komphela hinted strongly that he was hoping to finalise a deal with both Murakami and the highly experienced Meiring by the end of the week," said Komphela.
"I am confident we can reach an agreement with both players as I am going to need extra fire power this season which I believe is going to be a really hard one with the league finishing early (on February 28) to help Bafana Bafana prepare for the World Cup in June."
He is hoping to have the deals tied up in time for Stars opening Absa Premiership match against newly promoted Jomo Cosmos at the Rand Stadium on Saturday (3pm).
What has made both deals urgent is the fact that both Stars experienced strikers Simba Marumo and Colombian Luis Renteria are both recovering from injury. - Sapa
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