SINGAPORE – Former Japan international Kana Kitahara’s star appeal is showing no signs of abating even as she steps into uncharted territory by taking on the dual role of player-coach at Albirex Niigata ahead of the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) season kicking off on March 9.

The 35-year-old is one of the reasons Albirex are able to sign 17 players, including several marquee Singapore stars, as they look to wrest the title after finishing second to champions Lion City Sailors in the last two seasons.