Dempo SC acquire Japanese defender Shinnosuke Honda

Former I-League champions Dempo Sports Club has completed the acquisition of Japanese defender Shinnosuke Honda from Thai Premier League side Buriram United on Friday, boosting their defence with quality and experience.

Honda, 23, is a six feet tall defender from Fukushima in Japan. He began his career at J-League side Jubilo Iwata before moving on to Buriram United FC in the Thailand Premier League. He was a member of Buriram squad which won the Thai Premier League and Thai FA Cup in 2011. During his stint at Buriram United, he spent six months on loan playing for Bangkok Glass FC.

Earlier this month, Honda was on trials with Dempo SC where he managed to impress upon their new coach Arthur Papas, who said, “We have added Shinnosuke Honda to our squad because he showed attributes which we felt would further compliment our playing style, and he also adds depth in an area we felt we are not completely balanced due to various reasons as well as being competent in the positions which he can fill both in defence and midfield. We are looking forward to integrating him into the club as soon as possible.”

Honda now becomes Dempo’s fourth foreign signing of the season after Roberto Mendes Silva, Billy Mehmet and Simon Colosimo.

Libero Sports facilitated the transfer of Shinnosuke Honda from Buriram United to Dempo SC, and FIFA Licensed Agent and Libero Sports Partner Arvind Narayan, who represented Honda in the transfer, said “Honda is technically a very good defender and has had successful stints at his previous clubs. I am sure he will continue in the same way and with his experience and quality, he will look to be a vital cog in Dempo SC’s team for next season.”

Honda has completed his Indian visa formalities and shall join the team in the first week of September.