Japanese forward Yuto Kusaba is gearing up for the 2024/25 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season with a clear goal in mind: securing the coveted Golden Boot. After navigating a difficult first season in Kenya, Kusaba is determined to establish himself as one of the top scorers in the league.
Kusaba joined Nairobi City Stars, commonly known as Simba wa Nairobi, from FC Zenshin, a fourth-tier club in Japan. His arrival in Kenya marked a significant step in his career, but his journey was far from smooth. A delayed registration process with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) prevented Kusaba from making his debut until the January mid-season transfer window. This setback meant that he only managed to feature in 13 matches, during which he netted three goals.
Reflecting on his initial season in Kenyan football, Kusaba acknowledged the challenges he faced. “My first season in Kenya was quite tough. Adapting to the new environment and style of play took longer than I expected,” Kusaba shared, emphasizing the difficulty of transitioning to a different football culture and climate.
Despite these early obstacles, Kusaba’s commitment and resilience began to pay off as the season progressed. In the final game of the season against KCB, he delivered a standout performance by scoring twice, helping his team secure a vital win. “I kept pushing forward, determined not to give up, embodying the perseverance that’s part of my Japanese heritage. Scoring those two goals in the final match gave me the confidence boost I needed,” Kusaba recounted.
These crucial goals not only contributed to Nairobi City Stars’ success but also made Kusaba the first Japanese player to compete in the FKF Premier League—a milestone he takes great pride in. Buoyed by this accomplishment, Kusaba is now setting his sights even higher for the upcoming season. “Those goals were a turning point for me. My focus now is on becoming the top scorer in the KPL next season. I’m determined to make a mark, so keep an eye out for my goals,” he asserted, expressing his ambition for the 2024/25 season.
Although Kusaba’s playing time last season was limited—accumulating just 293 minutes across three starts—he remains optimistic about his future prospects. With a full pre-season to integrate with his teammates and adapt further to Kenyan football, Kusaba is confident that he can take on a more prominent role in the squad and emerge as a leading goal scorer.
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Kusaba’s journey from a relatively unknown fourth-tier side in Japan to the top-flight football of the Kenyan Premier League is a testament to his perseverance and determination. While the challenges of his debut season could have discouraged many, Kusaba’s resolve has only been strengthened by the experience. He is now more motivated than ever to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
As the 2024/25 KPL season approaches, all eyes will be on Yuto Kusaba and his pursuit of the Golden Boot. His journey underscores the importance of adaptability and persistence in the face of adversity. Kusaba’s story is not just about football, but about the triumph of hard work and dedication in overcoming obstacles. The upcoming season presents a crucial opportunity for him to solidify his place in Kenyan football and achieve his goal of becoming one of the league’s top scorers.
