Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale FC recently visited Central Coast ahead of their clash with the Mariners in April. Kawasaki Frontale face the A-League club in the Asian Champions League next month and were in the country on a familiarisation session.

They were impressed with what they saw.

"This seaside town is very beautiful," Kawasaki coach Yamagishi Shigeru said through a translator.

"We have not done much research on the Mariners yet but we are expecting a tough game when we come here in April.

"We want to get a good result. Ever since our club was formed in 1996 we've set high standards," Shigeru added.

"Our players are very motivated and have a big challenge ahead of them. I know the Mariners finished premiers last year and they will be tough to beat."