INJURY-PRONE winger Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor may have only played two matches for FC Ryukyu in the recent Japan Football League (Division Three) but manager Norihiro Satsukawa believes the youngster has a bright future with the club.
Wan Zack Haikal signed a two-year contract with the Okinawa-based club in March while compatriot Nazirul Naim Che Hashim penned for one year.
A former member of Young Tigers A, Wan Zack Haikal has had a frustrating season in Japan due to injuries. He first picked up an ankle problem in training but returned to steer the national Under-23 team to the Merdeka Tournament title in September.
However, Wan Zack Haikal tore a ligament in his knee, which needed surgery, and will only return to training in June.
Satsukawa said: "Wan Zack Haikal is a player with good technique and skill. He has improved so much since he joined us in March and if not for his injury, he would have been in our starting line-up in the league on a regular basis.
"We hope he will return to fitness next season," said Satsukawa at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
Ryukyu, who finished 11th in the league which ended on Nov 24, will play the national Under-23 team at MBPJ Stadium today.
"Wan Zack Haikal has a two-year contract to fulfil and I believe he has a bright future in Japan. On whether we will extend his contract after next season, it will depend on our management.
"As for Nazirul Naim, he did not play a league match in Japan but has improved in training. He returned early to Malaysia as we felt he would have more playing time with Ong Kim Swee's squad. His future will also depend on our management," added Satsukawa.
Ryukyu captain Kazuya Kawabata also praised Wan Zack Haikal and Nazirul Naim and said they have improved in all aspects of their game.
Ryukyu are hoping to scout for more Malaysian players for next season, which starts in March.
Satsukawa said: "We are scouting for Malaysian players and the match tomorrow (today) will give us an opportunity to see some of them. We want to sign young players."
Ryukyu arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday with a mixed squad of regulars and fringe players.

Wan Zack Haikal