I-League 2018-19: Yu Kuboki Leaves Minerva Punjab; William Opoku Rants About Club on Instagram

Minerva Punjab released their Japanese attacking midfielder Yu Kuboki, the player said on Monday through a long post in the social media. But the decision from the club invited major controversy, with current players like William Opoku accusing the club of ill-treating its players.

Kuboki joined the defending I-League champions last year from Sydney Olympic FC. The Japanese was expected to fill the gap left by the departure of Chencho Gyeltshen to Bengaluru FC. However, a serious knee injury forced him to sit on the sidelines for a major part of the campaign. Kuboki played only four matches for Minerva.

Minerva could not sustain the same form this season and a string of losses has seen them languishing in the bottom half of the table. The post comes just a day before Minerva will be playing their most important match in recent times – AFC Champions League qualifier against Saipa FC of Iran at Tehran.

In an Instagram post, Kuboki wrote, “It was not too much long time to spend with you guys. It is only for six months, but it gave me wonderful friends. I really wanted to play until end of season and really wanted to play on the AFC tournament with you guys. But I am not in a position for it. I had (a) contract with them for one and half year. Finally, the club decided that release me. I’m so sorry.”

Calling this the ‘life of a football player,’ Kuboki added, “I just try to be positive and prepare for next chance to become a big player. I am seeking next club who need a lot of goals. I don’t stop walking my way. Because I am hungry to score and I am a poacher of goals in the pitch.”

“I wish you guys get beautiful life better than now in your future. Your life is yours and goes on. And I am looking forward the tomorrow match result. Good luck and all the best. See you again in our future (sic),” the player concluded.

However, in a comment on Kuboki’s post, the first choice striker of the club William Opoku criticised the decision and even called the club ‘cheaters’.

“They (Minerva) are not serious people. They just stress you with video section. No good rest and they want you to play good football. They think football is played by mouth or something like Yo-Yo test,” wrote Opoku.

“Yu, you are very good player. But Minerva only treat players anyhow and in my whole life I have never seen a team like Minerva. They cheat players and treat them anyhow. They cut your salary and told you to go through Yo-Yo test!!!,” Opoku added.

Fellow teammates Akash Sangwan and Nikhil Pal also had some words to express for the Japanese. Akash wrote, “We are missing you. May you get a new club soon and best of luck for future. Will see you in Japan.”

A few days ago, Minerva decided to relieve coach Paul Munster from his duties. The club have recently acquired the services of Mahmoud Al-Amna, Juan Quero and Cornelius Stewart.