6 Oct 2005(Thu)

October 5, 2005 -- You just can't keep the King out of the news, can you?

From Kobe to Yokohama to Sydney, all in the space of a few weeks, Kazuyoshi Miura's star quality is still shining brightly.

Earlier this week, the short-term transfer of Kazu from Yokohama FC to Sydney FC was agreed, meaning the Japanese sporting icon will be able to play in FIFA's revamped Club World Championship in Japan in December.

It's a fantastic bit of public relations by the Australian club, who can now look forward to some passionate Japanese backing during the event.

Australia, of course, have been given permission by FIFA to switch from the Oceania confederation to Asia, and Sydney officials hope that this move will help build a bridge between the two countries and continents.

They also know that Kazu will give his best, and will be professional in every aspect of the job. On the training pitch, with sponsors, with media, with his teammates and with the fans.

He may have lost some zip and some sparkle, but he hasn't lost his hunger or his ambition, and he will repay Sydney's investment many times over in terms of publicity and fan support.

Organisers, too, will be rubbing their hands together, as Sydney FC will give the neutral supporters in Japan some local interest.

Both Yokohama F Marinos and Jubilo Iwata failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League, and the Emerson-powered Al Sadd have been eliminated now, too (I will refrain from giving my thoughts on this subject, as I don't want to upset Urawa Reds fans any more).

But now, with Kazu at Sydney, plus Sao Paulo and Liverpool as the "big two" from South America and Europe, there should be healthy ticket sales -- a factor FIFA (and Dentsu) must have been worried about after the early departures of Marinos and Jubilo.

As for Kazu, he will be moving to a wonderful city, albeit for only a couple of months.

Football (or soccer as the Aussies call it, as they have their own brand of football, Australian Rules Football) is not as high-profile as rugby league, rugby union, cricket or Aussie Rules, but they are trying to promote the new A-League just like Japan did with the J.League in 1993.

It will also give Kazu the chance to improve his English conversation, and this could assist him immensely in his career when he finally hangs up those much-travelled boots.

ends