Zeekstar Tokyo has announced major changes to its coaching staff ahead of the 2026-2027 season, with the appointment of Luc Abalo as head coach. Abalo, who previously served as a strategic advisor to the team, will shift from his advisory role to take on the coaching position. He plans to lead the team with the goal of winning the Japanese championship title. Luc Abalo is a former French international and a prominent figure in the sport of handball. He has earned three Olympic gold medals, three world championships, and three European championships while playing for France. He also won the Champions League in 2009 with the Spanish team Ciudad Real. Abalo played for clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Elverum, and he was associated with Zeekstar Tokyo between 2021 and 2023. His transition to coaching was somewhat surprising, as he had been expected to focus on his artistic pursuits, including painting and photography. Hiroki Shida, who previously held the position of head coach, will now serve as assistant coach and director of operations for the team. In this new role, he will support Abalo and help integrate European-style tactics into the team's strategy. It is expected that Abalo will rely heavily on Shida's experience and knowledge of the game. This marks a new chapter for Abalo, who now aims to translate his long and successful career as a player into success as a coach. His appointment is seen as a significant move for Zeekstar Tokyo, as they look to strengthen their performance in the upcoming season.