BG Tampines Rovers’ new attack is a ‘perfect mix for goals and assists’
SINGAPORE – When BG Tampines Rovers signed Japanese forward Seia Kunori to bolster their attacking options for the 2024-25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, star striker Boris Kopitovic did not see the 23-year-old as competition.
Instead, the Montenegrin welcomed the move as he felt Kunori, who tallied 21 goals and 12 assists in 23 SPL appearances for champions Albirex Niigata in 2023, has helped shoulder the goalscoring responsibility.
Four matches into the season, the duo have shown promising signs, scoring four goals each, and they believe they can still get better.
Kopitovic, who was the Stags’ top scorer in the SPL last season with 17 goals, told The Sunday Times: “He improves us a lot and we both have different strengths. I can hold up the ball and set him up to help him score, because he has very good quality.
“Defenders used to put their focus on me, but now he’s always around me and they need to take care of him because he’s very dangerous, and that opens up space for me.”
Kunori has been deployed just behind the 29-year-old Kopitovic, though coach Gavin Lee insists that he is “not really boxed into a position”.
“We’re building our relationship and looking to combine and score. He’s a strong player, while I’m more flexible, so when we complement each other, it’s a perfect mix for goals and assists,” said Kunori ahead of their SPL clash against Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on June 30.
The pair are also developing a close bond outside of football. Kopitovic revealed that they travel to training and have meals together as they stay in the same condominium.
Kunori also often joins Kopitovic and his Japanese housemate Shuya Yamashita, also a BG Tampines player, at their apartment to play video games such as Fifa.
BG Tampines Rovers forward Seia Kunori (centre) in training ahead of their Singapore Premier League clash against Hougang United on June 30. ST PHOTO: LUTHER LAU
While Kunori’s English is not fluent, Kopitovic says it is improving and they can always rely on Yamashita for translation. He continued: “We also get coffee together, and we talk about football most of the time. He’s (slowly) understanding what I say and always asking me questions.”
Kunori, who grew up in Kyoto and started playing football at the age of seven, admitted that it was initially “confusing” for him to play deeper and have to help the team defensively.
He said: “But I quickly realised that learning this side of the game helps me improve, so I have the confidence to contribute to the team.
“I have much joy playing passing football under Gavin... I’m really enjoying our football.”
Lee believes there is still room for improvement as Kunori adapts to his new surroundings. “There’s a lot more to come from him. He’s a good source of goals, as you’re seeing these two seasons,” he said.
“But at the same time, defensively, we haven’t gotten him to the same page of what we desire yet. He’s improving every day and that’s something we need to continue working with him on.”
BG Tampines Rovers coach Gavin Lee (centre) believes attacker Seia Kunori can still improve as the Singapore Premier League season progresses. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Lee also stressed the importance of having multiple outlets for goals, adding: “It’s also more difficult for the opposition because they have more gaps to cover.”
Despite his new position, Kunori says his target remains to win the SPL Golden Boot, which he was four goals away from in 2023. “My motivation to score goals and get assists remains the same,” he added.
While third-placed Tampines are unbeaten this season, scoring 14 times in their three wins and a draw, the Cheetahs have conceded 15 goals and are second from bottom without a victory in five matches.
However, Lee believes Hougang will be buoyed by coming back from 3-0 down to rescue a point in their 3-3 draw against Balestier Khalsa last week. “Nothing can be taken for granted against Hougang, our challenge would be to maintain our levels throughout the match.”