During the player entrance, as a reward for the crowdfunding project "Antlers' Future Together 2023", donors were invited to welcome both the ANTLERS LEGENDS and MO10 FRIENDS teams in the warm-up area. Players, including Gaku Shibasaki, all appeared with smiles!
Motofes featured not only Antlers OBs such as Masatada Ishii but also legends from other clubs, including Junichi Inamoto (Nankatsu SC) and active players. Perhaps due to the personality of Motoyama Academy's scout, an impressive lineup gathered at Kashima.
The historic kickoff was performed by ANTLERS LEGENDS' Club Advisor Zico. He received a tremendous round of applause from the stands.
Shinzo Koroki (Urawa Reds) and Atsuto Uchida, wearing Antlers uniforms for the first time in a while.
A donor who stood on the pitch as a reward for the crowdfunding project "Antlers' Future Together 2023" scored a goal as part of ANTLERS LEGENDS. He was warmly congratulated by legends like Toru Araiba.
Motoyama, the star of the show, also took a free kick. He took two shots, both hitting the post and crossbar directly. Was it a coincidence or intentional? Let's ask him next time.
Yasuto Honda, Ryozo Okuno, and Tomoyuki Hirase face off. The Antlers OBs were all beaming on this long-awaited grand stage at Kashima.
Ryuta Sasaki (Nankatsu SC), who announced his retirement from active play at the end of this season, was denied several chances but finally scored a goal. Warm congratulations and words of appreciation came from behind the goal.
At halftime, a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Suntory and Suntory Foods, official club partners.
Also, Mr. Shunya Suzuki, Mayor of Namegata City, who collaborated on the crowdfunding project "Antlers' Future Together 2023", and Mr. Kengo Ishizu, Chairman of Josokaihatsu Kogyo, who specially sponsored "Motofes", gave speeches.
In the second half, the game heated up quickly. Shogo Doi scored a brilliant header from Akira Narahashi's exquisite cross. It was a characteristic celebration from Nara.
C.R.O. Nakata played in both the first and second halves. For his close friend Motoyama, he was active both behind the scenes, producing the event, and on the field, playing in the match.
For this day, Nara brought a Higashi Fukuoka High School uniform he had prepared. He reportedly received it from Seiji Kaneko, an Antlers OB and Motoyama's junior from high school.
Takuya Nozawa still showed his fantastista skills. Not only in play, but he also livened up everyone on the bench and in the locker room.
During the post-match ceremony, Motoyama received a bouquet from his high school mentor, Mr. Yoshinori Shiba. It was a fitting scene for a day full of smiles and gratitude.
Motoyama received a big round of applause during his final speech. A smile really suits him.
Finally, a commemorative photo with the '79 generation. Even though they come from different teams, clubs, and current positions, their bond remains unchanged, then and now.
Thank you for your hard work, Motoyama. And we look forward to your continued support!