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Nairobi City Stars striker Yuto Kusaba reflects on his inspiring journey from Japan to Kenya, fueled by Keisuke Honda's legacy
On Sunday, February 4, Nairobi City Stars welcomed a new sensation into their squad as Japanese striker Yuto Kusaba made a memorable entrance into the FKF Premier League.
The 23-year-old forward, who hails from Japan, made his debut with a substitute appearance against Shabana FC at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, marking the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in his football journey.
Kusaba’s story is one of determination, resilience and an unorthodox path to professional football.
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Arriving in Kenya in early 2023 as a volunteer with an NGO in Embu, he joined the fourth-tier side FC Zenshin while continuing to nurture his dreams of playing at the highest level.
Months later, he caught the attention of Nairobi City Stars, earning a spot in the FKF Premier League, where he has been making waves ever since.
“The experience has honestly been great since I came,” Kusaba told Telecomasia.net.
“It is a new environment, a new culture and new people, and every day has been a learning experience for me. I have met so many great people who have made it easier for me to settle down, and now I feel like I am at home. It is an amazing feeling, and to experience the football here is something great.”
The FKF Premier League posed a fresh challenge for the young striker, who had previously played for lower-tier teams in Japan, including St. Andrews FC and FC Basara Hyogo in the Kansai Soccer League.
His debut season in Kenya saw him overcome the initial hurdles of adapting to a new league and language barrier.
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Kusaba’s dedication paid off with memorable performances, including his first goal in April—a penalty against Muranga Seal—and a brace in the season finale against KCB.
“It has been very interesting. The Premier League is not easy; it is tough, and I am excited for the challenge,” he said.
“There is no easy game every day; you have to give your best. But I have been able to adapt really quickly. It wasn’t easy at the start, especially as I had to stay a while before playing, but I have now grown into it.”
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Kusaba’s journey is also marked by a strong sense of gratitude towards Nairobi City Stars.
"They welcomed me really well,” he said.
They are a very good team and a good family, and I enjoy every moment with them. This season, we endured a very tough start. In the first five games, we couldn’t win, and it wasn’t an easy time for everyone. But we changed the spirit, came in with new determination, and now things are looking good for us.”
Kusaba dreams of becoming the FKF Premier League’s top scorer, achieving success with a top team and ultimately returning to Japan to play in the J League.
“My dream is to one day become the top scorer in the FKF Premier League—maybe this season or maybe the next,” Kusaba declared with confidence.
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Inspired by Keisuke Honda, Kusaba envisions a career of global impact.
“He achieved so much in his career playing abroad and has inspired very many children in Japan to play football. One day, I would want to achieve great things like him,” he said.
With his contract at Nairobi City Stars set to end in July 2024, the young striker remains focused on giving his all for the team that believed in him.
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