Introducing Katsuhito Kinoshi: The New Head Coach of The Red Giants

Selangor Football Club (Selangor FC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katsuhito Kinoshi as the new Head Coach. With extensive international coaching experience, Kinoshi brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and strong leadership qualities to the team. His expertise in team-building, strategy, and youth development will undoubtedly be a valuable asset as the club aims for success in this season.

Transition to Coaching: Learning from the Best

Born in Tokyo, Kinoshi gained recognition for his tactical expertise and leadership skills. One of the most significant milestones in his coaching journey came when he had the opportunity to work with several renowned figures in football coaching: Dragan Stankovic, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Akira Nishino.

Working with Dragan Stankovic

Kinoshi’s collaboration with Dragan Stankovic, the well-known Serbian coach, had a profound impact on his coaching development, particularly in building strong, disciplined teams. The pair first worked together at Nagoya Grampus (2008–2014), where Kinoshi learned crucial lessons in game management, defensive organization, and the importance of creating teams that are not only tactically disciplined but also mentally resilient.

Stankovic later invited Kinoshi to join him in coaching the Serbian national team (2021–2024), where they achieved significant success. Under their leadership, Serbia won Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League B 2022/23, defeating Sweden and earning promotion to UEFA Nations League A, where they now compete against Spain, Denmark, and Switzerland. Another notable achievement was helping Serbia qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar including games against Brazil, Switzerland, and Cameroon.

Learning from Giovanni van Bronckhorst

Kinoshi’s coaching journey continued to evolve during his time in China, where he was mentored by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the former Netherlands international known for his dynamic and attacking coaching style. Under van Bronckhorst’s guidance at Guangzhou City (2015–2021), Kinoshi gained invaluable insights into high-pressing football, rapid transitions, and positional play. Van Bronckhorst’s ability to adjust tactics based on opponents taught Kinoshi the importance of flexibility and the ability to make tactical changes in real-time during matches—a quality Kinoshi will bring to Selangor FC.

What Kinoshi Brings to the Red Giants

As the new Head Coach, Kinoshi’s vast experience, tactical intelligence, and leadership skills will be crucial assets for the Red Giants. His time working with Stankovic, van Bronckhorst and Akira Nishino has shaped his unique coaching philosophy, which blends tactical discipline with creative attacking play, while also emphasizing teamwork and mental toughness.

Kinoshi is known for his focus on developing well-balanced teams that are both disciplined and exciting at the highest level. He has expressed his excitement to work with the talented squad at Selangor FC and is determined to shape a team that is organized, dynamic, and ready to fight for every match. His commitment to player development and his winning mentality will be central to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Sharing his excitement, Coach Kinoshi said, "I am honored to join Selangor FC, and I am excited to work with the talented players here. Together, we will strive to build a team that is not only strong tactically but also filled with spirit and determination to succeed."

Also interviewed, Datuk Seri Dr. Shahril Mokhtar expressed his happiness and warmly welcomed Coach Kinoshi to lead the Red Giants. "We are very happy to welcome Coach Kinoshi into the Selangor FC family. His vast experience and leadership will be key as we begin this exciting new chapter. We are confident that his vision will guide the team towards future success," said Datuk Seri Dr. Shahril Mokhtar.

With the appointment of Katsuhito Kinoshi as the new Head Coach, the club is entering a new phase full of potential. His coaching expertise, combined with the experience he has gained from working with some of the renowned coaches in the world, will provide the leadership and tactical depth necessary for the team to succeed.

Let us all welcome Kinoshi to the Red Giants family. Stay tuned to the official Selangor FC website for the latest updates regarding the team.

Demi kebanggaan!