Japanese winger among nine new players at City Stars

• Kusaba had been playing for a Division Two team in Embu
• He becomes the first ever Asian to play in the FKF PL
• City Stars have made nine new signings

Nairobi City Stars have signed Japanese winger Yuto Kusaba, who is among nine new players at the club. Kusaba will become the first ever Asian player in the FKF Premier League, and joins the club from little known FC Zenshin which plays in the Division Two league in Embu.

“I have become the first Asian player  in the Kenya Premier League. It’s not the exact image I admired that day, but after struggling and persevering, the scenery here in Kenya is my treasure. I’ll score some points,” the player posted on his socials just after City Stars announced his arrival.

Kusaba will add some Japanese flair into the City Stars youthful side, as they look to do well this new season.

Among new City Stars players include two goalkeepers: Julius Ombacho from Luanda Villa, and Edwin Mukolwe from Bidco United.

Also joining are centreback Wycliffe Omondi and defensive midfielder Brian Omondi Mzee from National Super League sides Migori Youth and Kibera Black Stars, respectively.

Experienced center-back Sosthenes Idah has also joined Nairobi City Stars. His last workstation was Polisi Tanzania.

Two wingers, Robinson Asenwa from third-tier side Vapor Sports, and teenager Gilbert Abala from lower-tier side Busia Sugar FC, are also in for the season.

Strikers Brian Mose Nyambane has also joined from Total Spurs in Narok.

Several departures at City Stars 

New City Stars Japanese winger Kusaba with CEO Patrick Korir

The new arrivals take up the slots vacated by keepers Jacob Osano and Stephen Njunge, defenders Salim Abdalla, Kenedy Onyango, and Herit Mungai, as well as midfielders Peter Opiyo, Anthony Kimani, and forward Ezekiel Odera.

The departures also include James Mazembe and Levis Okello who have since returned to their parent clubs KCB and Kakamega Homeboyz, respectively, following the expiry of short-term loan spells.

Aside from the new signings, Nairobi City Stars confirms that twelve of the players who featured last season renewed their contracts.

Defender Timothy Muganda has extended his stay for two more seasons, while midfielders Andrew Kisilu, Clifford Ouma, Newton Ochieng, and Abuyeka Kubasu have stretched their stay for a season each.

The same applies to long-serving fullback Calvin Masawa who is now in for his 14th straight season at City Stars, and defender Edwin Buliba.

City Stars are facing a tough season ahead, especially lacking in experience with a hugely youthful squad.

Coach Muyoti optimistic 

Nairobi City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti gestures during a past match

Their performance at the Elite Pre-Season Tournament a fortnight ago left a lot of questions, but head coach Nicholas Muyoti believes they have what it takes to pick up the pieces in time and ensure they compete well.

“I know there is a lot of work to be done but I trust in the players and I trust in the work that we have put in. We have most of those we had last season and so there will be a bit of continuity. We just need to build up well from when the first game kicks off,” said the tactician.

City Stars open their season at home against Muhoroni Youth FC on Sunday at the Kasarani Annex.