Japan´s Shibamura moves to Uzbekistan

Defender Naoya Shibamura will become the first Japanese player to take part in the Uzbek League after signing with FC Pakhtakor Tashkent.

The 29-year-old spent last year in the Latvian first division with FK Ventspils, contributing to their championship double and playing in the Europa League.

Before going to Europe, Shibamura spent several seasons in Japan’s lower divisions, as well as a two-year stint at Albirex Niigata Singapore.

Pakhtakor is one of most successful clubs in Uzbekistan, having won the league eight times in addition to 11 Uzbek Cups. Since 2003 they have played in the Asian Champions League every year, including two semi-final appearances.

“Pakhtakor has a great plan in every season,” Shibamura said.

“And I want to participate in AFC Champions League.”

“I hope we can win all the tournaments in 2012 in which Pakhtakor will participate. I am very happy to sign a contract with the greatest team of Uzbekistan”

The club is matched with Qatar’s Al Arabi, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad and the UAE’s Baniyas in Group B.