Nairobi City Stars’ head coach Nicholas Muyoti has expressed his optimism in the signing of Japanese forward Yuto Kusaba during the January transfer window of the Kenyan Premier League 2023-2024 season.
Kusaba, who has been training with the team for quite a while, was expected to have joined ‘Simba wa Nairobi’ before the season started but failed to be registered Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after it emerged that international guidelines of the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) had not been met before his move.
“That is behind us as the due process has been followed on both international and local transfer platforms and he (Kusaba) is now fully registered. Following the earlier complication, Yuto traveled back to Japan in late September (2023) and returned in early December. He’s been training with the team ever since,” said team coordinator Samson Otieno.
Having previously featured for FC Zenshin, a fourth-tier side, Kusaba will now seek to bring his talent and help Nairobi City Stars continue their impressive form that has seen them placed second on the table, 10 points behind champions Gormahia FC who are unbeaten after 19 matches with 43 points.
I'm ready to play.
From now on, the battle to participate in the game will begin. I will always do my best. I'll score a lot of goals.やっと試合に出るための準備が整いました。出れなかった半シーズン中も成長しました。ここからは試合に出るための戦いが始まります。期待してください。 pic.twitter.com/z3RwNjoXrz
— 草場勇斗｜Yuto Kusaba (@yutoksoccer) January 22, 2024
Despite not honoring the transfer rumors that linked him up with Kisii-based Shabana FC, coach Nicholas Muyoti had recorded stellar performances, enjoying good form with 7 wins on the run which was halted by AFC Leopards over the weekend.
“Yuto’s availability gives us a good problem to deal with as he adds on to a very active forward line. He brings competitiveness and gives us options to consider,” noted Muyoti.
On his part, Yuto Kusaba who will don jersey no. 21 was spirited on the move, promising fans to expect goals from him.
“It’s been a long wait to get the clearance to play in the Premier League. Expect my goals,” he stated.
