Yuto Kusaba: Japanese Midfielder Playing in Kenya Speaks of Challenges and Keisuke Honda Inspiration

• Yuto Kusaba is the first Asian player to play in Kenya’s first division
• The midfielder has a dream of representing Japan's national team
• The 22-year-old scored eight goals in 10 appearances for FC Zenshin

Japanese star, Yuto Kusaba, who currently plays for Nairobi City Stars in the FKF Premier League, has opened up about the challenges and inspirations that led him to pursue a football career in Kenya.

Despite facing obstacles and work permit issues that delayed his competitive debut, the midfielder is set to make his mark on the field come January 2024.

Kusaba's football journey began with J-League aspirations but after facing tough competition and struggling to secure a starting position, he decided to take a different path.

He played for Momoyama Gakuin University and later transferred to FC Easy 02 Akashi in the Kansai Adult League, aiming to increase his chances of turning professional.

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While facing the high hurdles of joining the J-League, Kusaba found himself contemplating the reality of his dream.

Eventually, he decided to explore opportunities abroad and Kenya became his chosen destination. Despite not knowing anyone in the country and lacking connections, he found FC Zenshin through social media, a team affiliated with the NPO African Children's Education Fund.

"I didn't know anyone when I was abroad for the first time, and I didn't even know if there was an agent there who would introduce me. When I searched for 'Japanese Kenyan soccer' on social media, I found one team," Yusaba said as quoted by Pulse Sports.

When Kusaba began his Kenyan journey

Kusaba approached the team and was welcomed with open arms, scoring eight goals in 10 appearances before joining Nairobi City Stars.

The 22-year-old midfielder says former AC Milan and Japan attacking midfielder, Keisuke Honda played a significant role in inspiring his move to Africa. Honda's commitment to supporting developing countries and addressing social issues resonated with Kusaba, motivating him to become a professional footballer in Africa.

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“He is a person who has supported developing countries, and if I were to become a professional soccer player in Africa, I would not only be able to fulfill my dream as a soccer player, but also help solve social issues like his,” he told Football Zone.

Despite the initial challenges and concerns, Kusaba appreciates the support he eventually received from his parents, who understood his aspirations and agreed to his journey to Kenya.

Now a professional player in Kenya, Kusaba is grateful for the experience and the opportunity to contribute positively to both his career and the local community.

Honda leaves Cambodia post

Sports Brief previously reported that Honda left his post as manager in Cambodia after a disappointing Southeast Asian Games on home soil.

An Asian Cup winner with his country, the Japanese legend hinted at bringing his five-year tenure to an end after the games in May of this year.

In Honda's swan song, the hosts came third in the five-team group after losses to Indonesia and Myanmar in the men's under-22 tournament.