Machida Zelvia's climb to its maiden J. League first-division season has been far more than the typical rags-to-riches promotion story, with manager Go Kuroda leading the way in an unprecedented transition from nationally known high school coach to instant pro success.
The Sapporo-born 53-year-old Kuroda coached Aomori Yamada High School for 28 years, eventually turning the team into a perennial national championship contender. At the end of 2022, Kuroda and Machida took a bold punt on an unheard-of collaboration that spawned a chorus of critics but has paid off so far.
The intensely competitive Kuroda said he was undaunted by those who doubted his appointment.