Nairobi City Stars striker Yuto Kusaba is not only the only Japanese player in the FKF Premier League but also the sole non-African player in Kenya’s top tier.The 23-year-old joined Simba wa Nairobi after an unconventional journey, leaving Japan to pursue his football dreams in Kenya. He began his career at FC Zenshin, a fourth-tier club in Embu, where he honed his skills before making it to the top league.##NAJAVA_MECA_8594025##Yuto’s journey to the top league began in August 2023 when he was scouted by Nairobi City Stars. However, he could not make his debut until January 2024 due to international clearances and the Kenyan transfer window being shut.On 4 February, he made his first appearance as a substitute against Shabana FC at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.His big moment came on 13 April, when he scored his first FKF Premier League goal, an 85th-minute penalty against Murang’a Seal at Police Sacco Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8593721##He finished the 2023-24 season strong, scoring two goals in a 3-2 win over KCB FC at Utalii Grounds on June 24, ending the season with three goals.Francis Kimanzi returns as Harambee Stars name provisional squad for Mapinduzi CupReflecting on his time in Kenya, Yuto said, “The experience has been great. It’s a new environment, culture, and people, and I’ve learned a lot. It’s very different from home, but I’m enjoying it.”Starting in the fourth tier with FC Zenshin while volunteering with an NGO in Embu, Yuto’s move to the Premier League has been a big step in his career, though not without challenges.”The Premier League is tough, but I’m excited for the challenge. There are no easy games, but I’ve adapted quickly,” Kusaba said in an interview with Telecomasia.net.Initially struggling for playing time, Yuto now feels more comfortable with the team as his bond with his teammates helped him settle. “They welcomed me well. It’s a good team and feels like family, and I enjoy every moment with them,” Yuto added, recalling a tough start to the season when City Stars went winless in their first five games. He credited the team’s improved spirit for their turnaround.One of Yuto’s early challenges in Kenya was the language barrier, but he has made great progress. “It was hard to communicate at first, but my teammates were very understanding and helped me learn. Now, we can have conversations, even though it’s not perfect yet, but I’m getting there,” he shared.EXCLUSIVE: Harambee Stars set to appoint former Manchester United coach
