KUALA LUMPUR – Kuching City FC’s Yuki Tanigawa is shaping up as a potential new addition to the Harimau Malaya naturalisation programme after completing five years of playing professionally in Malaysia.
The Japanese-born player first arrived in the Malaysian league with Kuching City in 2020 before joining Kelantan United the following year. He later returned to the Sarawak-based outfit and has continued to feature in the Super League since.
Sources within the local football fraternity told Scoop that Kuching City’s management has already initiated early groundwork towards Tanigawa’s naturalisation process, similar to efforts previously explored by the club involving Jordan Mintah during his stint with the team.
With the residency requirement now fulfilled, the versatile 29-year-old, who can operate in both defence and midfield, is believed to be eligible for consideration by the national setup.
At the same time, when contacted by Scoop, Kuching City head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak said he would fully support any move to include Tanigawa in the national squad should the player come under consideration in the future.
However, Aidil stressed that the matter ultimately rests with both the Harimau Malaya coaching staff and Tanigawa himself, given the major personal implications involved in changing nationality.
“On the issue of his passport and naturalisation status, I’m probably not the best person to comment because I’m not part of the national team setup.
“My responsibility is with Kuching City, and naturally we want him to continue playing for us because he has been an important player for the club,” Aidil said.
“If the national team feels he can contribute, then of course I would support anything that can strengthen Malaysian football. Every coach wants to see deserving players given the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“But this is not an easy decision. It’s not only about whether the national team wants him — Yuki himself also has to be prepared to make a very big commitment.
“He would potentially have to give up a very strong passport, and that is a life-changing decision. He is married and has children, so naturally there are many personal considerations he needs to think through carefully.”
Tanigawa is among several foreign Super League players linked with possible naturalisation after meeting Malaysia’s five-year residency criteria.
Other names frequently mentioned include Bergson da Silva and Manuel Hidalgo of Johor Darul Ta'zim FC, as well as Giancarlo Gallifuoco from Kuala Lumpur City FC. - May 25, 2026
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