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.” Continue Reading

The global roll-out of the first official range of FIFA branded clothing and merchandise is set to begin later this year ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa^TM.

The move follows a long-term worldwide agreement with Global Brands Group, the international brand management and licensing company, to become FIFA’s exclusive worldwide Master Licensee. Global Brands Group is to use a series of high-profile trade shows over the next few months to reveal the first FIFA Collections to the international retail industry.

The FIFA Collections, which will initially comprise five separate ranges of apparel – 1904, Editions, Code, Essentials and Trophy – is expected to be available in more than 100 FIFA Official Stores® and in an extensive network of FIFA branded retail spaces in over 12 markets around the world from August 2009 onwards. Continue Reading