Yuto Kusaba: Nairobi City Stars Set to Secure Japanese Midfielder in January

• Yuto Kusaba will play for Nairobi City Stars in January 2024
• He will become the first-ever Japanese to play in the Kenyan league
• Kusaba is inspired by Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda

FKF Premier League side Nairobi City Stars are eyeing the completion of the signing of Japanese national Yuto Kusaba once the transfer window opens in January 2024.

The CEO of City Stars, Patrick Korir, announced that Kusaba, who returned to the country on December 7, 2023, is already training with the team.

Simba Wa Nairobi signed the Japanese midfielder in August 2023 from Zenshin FC (Northern Zone), a fourth-tier side.

However, he couldn't feature in the first leg due to FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) guidelines that had not been met before the window closed.

"He arrived and immediately resumed training with the team. We expect to complete his transfer once the window opens in January. We are all excited to have him in our team," Korir is quoted on The Star.

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Despite the previous setback, the club is optimistic about finalizing the transfer in January 2024. Korir expressed enthusiasm about having Kusaba on the team, highlighting the player's immediate return to training.

After the transfer, Kusaba is poised to become the first Japanese player to grace the Kenya Premier League.

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 aspirations in the J-League. Still, after challenges securing a starting position, he shifted to Momoyama Gakuin University and later FC Easy 02 Akashi in the Kansai Adult League, aiming to increase his chances of turning professional.

While facing the challenges of breaking into the J-League, Kusaba explored opportunities abroad, with Kenya becoming his chosen destination.

"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 reported by Pulse Sports.

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City Stars have been in excellent form, winning four consecutive games. In their last fixture of the year, they secured a 1-0 victory against Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium, with Wycliffe Omondi scoring the decisive goal.

City Stars occupies the sixth position on the league table with 27 points from 16 games. They resumed training on Thursday, December 28, 2023, after the festive season break, gearing up for their upcoming match against Talanta FC on January 6, 2024, at Kasarani Annex.

Kusaba inspired by Honda

Sports Brief reported Kusaba’s admiration of former AC Milan and Japan attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda.

Honda's commitment to supporting developing countries and addressing social issues resonated with Kusaba, motivating him to become a professional footballer in Africa.

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