Kenichi returns with Top-4 ambition at Inter Allies

Newly-appointed coach of International Allies, Kenichi Yatsuhashi says his side will be a force to reckon with in the 2017/2018 Ghana Premier League season.

Kenichi targets an ambitious top-4 finish with the Tema club.

The Americo-Japanese trainer who was on board an Emirates flight that landed at the Kotoko International Airport at exactly 12:30 pm yesterday, was welcomed by some management staff of the club, including Mr Rabeh El-Ettel, club president.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic shortly on his arrival, Kenichi noted that he still has an unfinished business in the Ghana Premier League, thanking his new employers for giving him the opportunity to return to top flight soccer.

He was previously at Accra Hearts of Oak where a 25-day leave request to attend a coaching programme attracted a disengagement letter from club administrators who called the act one of “mutual consent”.

Kenichi speaks to Beatrice Laryea

“I am more excited about landing this deal and I can’t wait to get on the pitch”, he said of the new opportunity to work in Ghana again, adding, “I think we have a good chance to be in top four next season. I don’t think we will be fighting to escape from relegation because my target is to finish in the top four. My job is to develop the players and the entire team because when that happens, it will improve our chances of winning more matches.”

“Having a firsthand experience about Ghana and coming back to coach Inter Allies is a great opportunity for me because I made a few mistakes while I was here but now I am more matured and I believe that my experience will benefit the club a lot.”

“I know that expectations are high and people will be asking a lot of questions as to whether I can succeed like the first time, so that will put much pressure on me but I will be able to handle it because I live with pressure and it is my nature”.

The 48-year-old trainer who refused to answer questions relating to his earlier stint at Hearts of Oak hoped his side will perform better next season to attract many football fans to the various stadia.

Kenichi has also worked with Nigerian premiership side Ifeanyi Ubah and later left to Cambodian League side Tiger FC.
He is expected to help turn around the fortunes of Inter Allies, who narrowly escaped relegation last season after finishing 13th in the 16-club league.