Muras United have signed Japanese striker Mark Ajay Kurita, with agent Amil Šukalo explaining what the forward can bring to the Kyrgyz club.
Kurita has been handed the No. 9 shirt at Muras United. It was previously worn by Brazilian forward Richard Romario, who has been recovering from a long-term injury and is expected to leave the club.
Kurita is of mixed Japanese and Ghanaian heritage. In Japan, he was described as quick, hard-working and physically strong.
He was also praised for his ability to press and cover ground without the ball, although his finishing was sometimes criticised for lacking consistency.
His goalscoring qualities became clearer after he left Japan. He was especially productive at Cambodian side Angkor Tiger, where he became one of the league’s top scorers.
His agent, Amil Šukalo, believes Kurita could challenge for the Jogorku Liga Golden Boot if used in the right system.
“Mark is of mixed Japanese and Ghanaian heritage. It is a relatively rare combination, but it gives him great discipline, stamina and physical strength.
“He is very professional and disciplined, quick, and as he showed at his last club, a strong goalscorer when placed in the right system and tactical setup,” Šukalo told Eurasia Football.
According to Šukalo, Kurita can bring something different to the Kyrgyz league.
“He can add extra quality to the league and will definitely be a refreshing addition to the Golden Boot race.
“He works hard for the team and is not focused only on his own statistics. He thinks first about team success.”
Muras United are currently second in the Kyrgyz Premier League table. The club will also represent Kyrgyzstan in the AFC Challenge League next season.