The 27-year-old is the first Asian player to ply his trade in the South African top-flight having joined from Home United in Singapore, and adds to coach Steve Komphela’s front-line options for the new season.
Stars fans got a first sight of Murakami in Saturday’s Telkom Charity Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace and he did not disappoint, providing a clinical finish to Dillon Sheppard’s pass in the Final against Orlando Pirates.
Komphela is delighted with his capture, who stood out immediately after his arrival in the country two weeks ago.
“I have really been impressed by him,” the coach says. “He has played in the J-League in Japan and played in Brazil. He really is a good player and I wanted to sign him as I know he will be an asset to Stars.”
Murakami is no stranger to success on the football field. Before he joined Home United he played for Singapore Armed Forces, who won consecutive League and Cup ‘Doubles’ in 2007 and 2008.
Stars managing director Ian Riddick believes the capture of Murakami shows the ambition of the club this season.
“I think it shows that we will cast our net far and wide to bring in the right players for the coach,” Riddick says. “We are always looking to improve the quality of the squad and if Steve Komphela recommends we sign a certain player, we will do our utmost to bring them on board.”
Murakami could make his competitive debut for Stars in their opening Absa Premiership encounter with Jomo Cosmos at the Rand Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 15h00).
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