Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuala Lumpur: Playing pivotal role as assistant coach of Japan at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup has earned Asako Takemoto the women's AFC Coach of the Year award.
The award is given to an Asian national in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the performances and results of the team, management skills, consistency and attitude to fair play
The 44-year old former international worked alongside head coach Hiroshi Yosidha as Japan reached the last eight of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup held in September in Azerbaijan.
Japan entered the quarter-finals after winning all three of their group stage matches only to be beaten 1-0 by Ghana in what was one of the biggest upsets of the competition.
"Its pity that Asako could not be here but I am very happy for her," said Japan Football Association President Kuniya Daini, who received the award on her behalf from AFC Executive Committee Member Winston Lee.
"Even though she won this award, we still lack numbers of women coaches in Japan. This is one thing we need to improve in future."