Nairobi City Stars forward Yuto Kusaba credits the Football Kenya Federation Premier League for giving him a smooth entry into professional football and has set his sights on winning the league’s Golden Boot in the near future.Kusaba grew up aspiring to play professional football in Japan, with dreams of making it to the J League and representing his country’s national team, the Blue Samurai.However, despite playing college football and featuring for lower-tier clubs such as St. Andrews FC, Momoyama Gakuin University, and FC Basara Hyogo in the Kansai Soccer League between 2019 and 2023, breaking into the professional ranks in Japan remained elusive.##NAJAVA_MECA_8609857##Faced with limited opportunities at home, Kusaba made an unconventional choice—he relocated to Kenya.His initial move was as a volunteer for an NGO in Embu, a town on the outskirts of Nairobi. While there, he joined FC Zenshin, a fourth-tier side.In August 2023, FKF Premier League side Nairobi City Stars scouted Kusaba.However, due to international clearance requirements and the timing of the Kenyan transfer window, he only received the green light to play in January 2024.He made his league debut on February 4 as a substitute against Shabana FC at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.Kusaba scores debut goal as City Stars drown SealKusaba scored his first FKF Premier League goal with an 85th-minute penalty in a match against Muranga Seal on April 13 at Police Sacco Stadium.He closed the 2023-24 season on a high, netting a brace against KCB in the final match on June 24 at Utalii Grounds, ending the season with three goals.Despite a modest debut season, Kusaba harbors lofty ambitions for both local and international football.##NAJAVA_MECA_8613786##He explained why he chose Kenya as his launchpad into the professional game:“After graduation, I wanted to play professionally in Japan, but it didn’t work out. I started looking for opportunities in other leagues, and Kenya caught my interest. I thought, why not take on this challenge? I found support from some Japanese friends who helped me come here to pursue my dream of becoming a professional footballer.”Yuto Kusaba: Japan’s rising star breaks barriers in FKF Premier LeagueNow preparing for his second season, Kusaba, the only Asian player in the FKF-PL, has raised his goals significantly.“Playing regularly has boosted my confidence and motivation. My dream is to become the league’s top scorer—maybe this season or the next. I also hope to join a top club, either in Kenya or abroad. I’m working hard every day to achieve that.”Nairobi City Stars’ Japanese striker aiming for historic feat in FKF Premier LeagueThough Kusaba has attracted interest from other teams, he remains focused on completing his contract with Nairobi City Stars.“Yes, some clubs have approached me, but right now, my focus is on City Stars. They gave me a chance when no one knew me, and I want to give my best for them. My current contract runs until July next year, and I’ll only think about my next move after that. My goal is to join a top team and keep improving.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8615305##
