Takashi Sekizuka

Takashi Sekizuka (関塚 隆) is a former Japanese football player and manager.

Playing career
Sekizuka was born in Funabashi on October 26, 1960. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined Honda in 1984. In 1984 season, he was selected Rookie of the Year awards and Best Eleven. He played 112 games and scored 36 goals in Japan Soccer League. In 1991, he retired.

Coaching career
After retirement, in 1993, Sekizuka became assistant coach for Kashima Antlers under manager Masakatsu Miyamoto. In 1995, he moved to Shimizu S-Pulse with Miyamoto. In 1996, he returned Kashima Antlers and coached until 2003. In July 1998 and August 1999, he also managed the club as caretaker manager. In 2004, he moved to J2 League club Kawasaki Frontale and became manager. In first season, he led the club to the champions and the club was promoted J1 League. In April 2008, he resigned for health reasons. In 2009, he returned the club as manager, but he resigned end of season. In September 2010, he became manager for Japan U-23 national team for 2012 Summer Olympics and assistant coach for Japan national team. At 2012 Summer Olympics, he led Japan to the 4th place. From 2013, he managed Júbilo Iwata (2013) and JEF United Chiba (2014-2016).

Awards

 * Japan Soccer League Rookie of the Year: 1984
 * Japan Soccer League Best Eleven: 1984