''Corinthian'' is a noble sort of sporting spirit, but for Brazilian Uehara, who hails from Sao Paulo, it refers to his support of Corinthians, who beat Chelsea to win the World Club Cup and is of working-class origins.
''Obviously, they are now a top professional side, but the basic values of hard work and dedication have never been forgotten,'' Uehara said.
''At Southern United, we could do worse than aim at that kind of dedicated approach to football.''
Formerly Otago United, the new name is thought to better reflect the geographical spread of feeder areas from Timaru to Invercargill.
Southern United will play its first warm-up game in Invercargill as Uehara starts to prepare his squad for the ASB Premiership.
The first national league match is likely to be on November 10, against Waitakere in Dunedin, and a national youth competition will start later.
Uehara (43) has Englishman Darren Hart as his assistant, and an enthusiastic group of fitness experts from the University of Otago, led by Associate Prof Chris Button, who is still a keen player.
United has been a slow starter in recent campaigns, but Uehara is keen to maximise preparation and fitness this season. He has recruited an eight-man fitness management group and will make full use of university facilities.
''We aim to improve player perception on the field,'' he said.
''To have good technique is one thing, but it's where and when this is applied that counts. It does not happen overnight, but I am confident that we can build the knowledge.''
Both squads, senior and youth, that travel to play Southland sides today include many new faces, all the more so since Caversham, Dunedin Technical and Roslyn-Wakari are resting players after the winter season.
Uehara sees the pre-season as a good opportunity to assess his fringe players in what are traditionally well-contested matches against Southland, arranged by coaches Kenny Cresswell and Barry Gardiner.
A sterner test is planned a week before the season starts, with a match in Timaru against coach Keith Braithwaite's high-flying Canterbury United side, which finished third last season.
Uehara, who formerly played and coached in Japan, is finishing a PhD at the School of Physical Education. He has been in charge of the University premier team for several years, as well as being involved in national league futsal.
The Brazilian has a one-year contract with United, with an option for two further years.
Originally, a FootballSouth women's team was to have travelled to Invercargill, but new coach Dave Martin-Chambers and assistant Sally Hicks are still involved in trials and team selection for their national league competition, which starts later this year.
Pre-season football
Invercargill, today
Southern United: Tom Batty, Logan Wrightwebb, Campbell Higgins, Pedro Neto, Peter Overmire, Aaron Corkhill, Henry Flood, Patrick Ebanda, Morgan Day, Barra Toubat, Regan Coldicott, Taylor McCormack, Nick Hindson, Peter Rae, Daniel Morris.
Southland XI: Chris Marsh, Paul Monteith, Hamish Low, Scott Kiddey, Jono Ross, James McFelin, David Donegan, Shae Wyering, Steve McDonald, Ryo Okuyama, Stu Kent, Tom Kent, Matty Burgess, Juan Jaurretche, Ashley Hughes, Barry Gardiner.
