Overpowered by National Defence Ministry in the league semi-final playoff and beaten on penalties by Svay Rieng in the Hun Sen Cup final, NagaWorld are looking ahead to a more productive season after reinforcing the side with the signing of well regarded Japanese midfielder Tatsuro Inui.

The 27-year-old-former Japanese junior international, and member of S.League winning side Albirex Niigata Singapore two years ago, will step in as an ideal replacement for Authiere Kipson, who left Naga for the Malaysian Super League after emerging as the Metfone C-League Golden Boot winner for top-scorer, with 26 goals during the 2017 league season.

Inui, who was voted S.League Young Player of the Year in 2011 and went on to represent Warriors FC and Geylang International, will wear the No14 jersey Kipson donned with such outstanding success. The Rwandan announced his arrival in style, scoring four in his debut for Naga in the league campaign.

Tatsuro’s impressive resume includes stints in Japan’s U15 to U18 teams before starting his professional career with his home town side JEF United more than 10 years ago.

Last year the speedy winger signed for Thai Honda in the Thai Premier League before moving to Japan’s Blaubitz Akita, where he won the third tier J3 championship.