FootballerJapaneseGoalkeeperFrom Nara

Manabu Minami

Manabu Minami is a former Japanese professional football goalkeeper who played for clubs like Amitie SC Kyoto and YSCC Yokohama, and is now a coach.

1. Overview

Manabu Minami (己浪 学Minami ManabuJapanese, born February 17, 1988) is a former Japanese professional football player who played as a goalkeeper, and is now a football coach. He spent his playing career with clubs such as Amitie SC Kyoto, YSCC Yokohama, and ReinMeer Aomori. After retiring from professional play in 2016, Minami transitioned into coaching, notably serving at the youth academy of Kashima Antlers and later as a coach for Plum One in the Società League.

2. Personal Background

Manabu Minami's personal journey in football began in his hometown, leading him through various youth and collegiate teams before he embarked on a professional career.

2.1. Childhood and Education

Minami was born on February 17, 1988, in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. His early football development included playing for youth clubs such as JACPA Tokiwa Club and Shirakashi FC. He continued his education and football career at Nara Municipal Ichijo High School from 2003 to 2005. Following high school, he attended Ritsumeikan University from 2006 to 2009, where he was a member of the university's football club. During his youth career, Minami was recognized for his talent, being selected for the Nara Prefecture National Sports Festival Youth Selection in both 2004 and 2005. He also represented Nara Prefecture in the Inter-High School Sports Festival in 2004 and 2005, and participated in the 84th National High School Soccer Championship as a representative for Nara Prefecture.

3. Playing Career

Manabu Minami's playing career spanned both amateur and professional levels within Japanese football, primarily as a goalkeeper.

3.1. Youth and Amateur Career

Minami's foundational years in football were spent with JACPA Tokiwa Club and Shirakashi FC. His high school career at Nara Municipal Ichijo High School (2003-2005) saw him participate in significant national tournaments. He then played for Ritsumeikan University's football club from 2006 to 2009. During his time at Ritsumeikan, he achieved a notable success, winning the 30th Prime Minister's Cup All Japan University Football Tournament in 2006. He also represented Nara Prefecture in various youth selections and high school championships, including the National Sports Festival Youth Selection in 2004 and 2005, and the Inter-High School Sports Festival in 2004 and 2005, as well as the 84th National High School Soccer Championship.

3.2. Professional Career

Minami's professional career began in 2010, leading him through several clubs and different leagues before his retirement.

3.2.1. Club Career

After graduating from Ritsumeikan University, Manabu Minami joined Amitie SC Kyoto (then Amitie SC) in 2010. He played for Amitie SC for three seasons, from 2010 to 2012. During his tenure with Amitie SC, he made 27 appearances and scored 0 goals in league matches. In 2013, he transferred to YSCC Yokohama, where he remained for three seasons until 2015. At YSCC Yokohama, he accumulated 11 appearances with 0 goals. His final professional club was ReinMeer Aomori, which he joined in March 2016. He played for ReinMeer Aomori for the remainder of the 2016 season, making 0 appearances.

3.2.2. J.League Debut and Statistics

Manabu Minami made his J.League debut on April 13, 2014, in a J3 League match against AC Nagano Parceiro at the Saku General Sports Park Athletics Stadium. Throughout his professional career, he primarily played as a goalkeeper, known for his height of 71 in (181 cm) and weight of 150 lb (68 kg), with a dominant right foot.

His career statistics are detailed in the table below:

SeasonClubLeagueAppsGoalsLeague Cup AppsLeague Cup GoalsEmperor's Cup AppsEmperor's Cup GoalsTotal AppsTotal Goals
Youth and Amateur
2006Ritsumeikan University--------
Professional
2010AmitieKansai 2nd Division10----10
2011AmitieKansai 1st Division120----120
2012AmitieKansai 1st Division140--10150
2013YS YokohamaJFL60----60
2014YS YokohamaJ350--0050
2015YS YokohamaJ300----00
2016ReinMeer AomoriJFL00----00
Total J3 League50--0050
Total JFL60----60
Total Kansai 1st Division260--10270
Total Kansai 2nd Division10----10
Career Total380----380



In addition to league play, Minami also participated in other official matches, including 3 appearances with 0 goals in the 2012 All Japan Regional Football League Final Tournament.

3.3. Retirement

Manabu Minami retired from professional football at the end of the 2016 season, concluding his playing career after his stint with ReinMeer Aomori.

4. Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Manabu Minami transitioned into a coaching role, focusing on youth development and senior team management in amateur leagues. In 2017, he joined Kashima Antlers as a youth academy coach, contributing to the development of young players within one of Japan's most successful football clubs. Currently, he serves as the manager for Plum One, a team competing in the Kansai 1st Division of the Società League.

5. Achievements and Awards

Manabu Minami's career saw him achieve several notable successes, particularly during his collegiate years.

  • Team Titles:**
    • 2006: Winner of the 30th Prime Minister's Cup All Japan University Football Tournament with Ritsumeikan University.
  • Individual Selections and Representations:**
    • 2004: Nara Prefecture National Sports Festival Youth Selection, Nara Prefecture Representative for the Inter-High School Sports Festival.
    • 2005: Nara Prefecture National Sports Festival Youth Selection, Nara Prefecture Representative for the Inter-High School Sports Festival, Nara Prefecture Representative for the 84th National High School Soccer Championship.