From High School to the Big Time
Machida Zelvia’s rise to the top of the J-League is a story that nobody saw coming. The team, formed in 1989 and only promoted to the top flight this season, are currently five points clear at the top with 14 games left to play. It’s a remarkable achievement for a club that had never even played at the highest level before.
What makes their success even more astonishing is the fact that their manager, Go Kuroda, is in just his second season as coach of a professional side. Prior to that, he spent 28 years as the coach of a high school team. This lack of experience at the professional level was seen as a gamble by many, but it’s one that has paid off.
“All the players know exactly what he wants from them,” says Machida striker Mitch Duke. “There is a ruthlessness in our team and the coach is setting a certain standard and is not afraid to change. Even if you don’t train hard enough you can find yourself out of the team.”
Former Japan international Shinji Ono recently observed Machida’s training and compared it to the intensity of high school training. This intensity has translated into their games, with Machida playing a direct and aggressive style that is different from the traditional possession-based play often associated with Japanese football.
“We work to our strengths as any team should and have the players to play a certain way,” says Duke. “We work hard – we are solid as a team, very intense and we run until we drop.”
This style of play has helped Machida achieve impressive results against some of Japan’s top teams, including Nagoya Grampus, Kashima Antlers, and Kawasaki Frontale. While some may argue that the traditional powers will eventually figure out how to beat Machida, Duke remains confident.
“We thought ‘we can do something, we can go and win, not just the top three but we want to win’,” says Duke. “It has been a nice surprise package for everyone involved and we are riding the wave.”
It’s clear that Machida’s success is not just down to luck. Their hard work, discipline, and unique playing style have set them apart from the rest of the league. As they continue to defy expectations and climb to the top of the J-League, it will be fascinating to see if they can maintain their momentum and secure the title.