Japanese footballer Yuto Kusaba has publicly voiced his frustration over the hurdles impeding his much-anticipated transfer to Nairobi City Stars football club.
This development comes in the wake of Nairobi City Stars’ announcement last week, proudly proclaiming their acquisition of the Japanese player from FC Zenshin.
The club even shared images of Kusaba actively participating in training sessions with his new teammates.
However, on Tuesday, Kusaba took to the public platform to assert that his transition to the Kenyan club has been thwarted by a host of issues.
“I joined a professional team in Kenya, but problems keep arising – involving contracts, visas, registration, and funding, among other things. It is undeniably challenging for foreigners to pursue football careers in Kenya, but with the spirit of ‘Hakuna Matata,’ one can certainly surmount it,” remarked Kusaba.
Work Permits in Kenya
For foreigners to engage in employment in Kenya, they are required to obtain work permits from the Ministry of Interior’s Immigration Services Department.
These permits encompass various categories, such as Class C for Prescribed professions, Class D for Employment, and Class G for Specific trades, businesses, or consultancy roles, among others.
The documentation necessary for an applicant before commencing employment includes letters from the employer, self, or organization addressed to the Director General of Immigration Services, valid tax compliance certificates, certified academic or professional certificates, clearance letters from relevant institutions, current immigration status (if in the country), and a non-refundable processing fee, among other requirements.
Had the transfer been successfully completed, Kusaba, who reportedly signed his contract with the club on August 23, 2023, would have achieved the distinction of becoming the first Asian player to compete in Kenya’s top-flight league.
Before being linked to City Stars, Kusaba had expressed his aspirations of one day signing with a professional team in Kenya.
“I am aiming to secure a professional league contract in Kenya, Africa, starting from April this year. The objective of this Kenyan challenge is to discover, embody, and share the better life that lies ahead. My goals include becoming the first Japanese professional player in Kenya’s lower league,” Kusaba shared on social media in March 2023.
He was slated to make his debut for City Stars on August 27, 2023, in a league match against Muhoroni Youth FC at Kasarani Annex Stadium, but he failed to appear.
Born in Osaka in 2001, Kusaba plays as a forward. His journey in football began at the tender age of 4, following in the footsteps of his older brother.
Resilience and University Rediscovery
He continued to play throughout his school years but encountered challenges in the sport, leading him to take a hiatus. Kusaba rekindled his passion for the sport while in university and made sacrifices by leaving several club activities to pursue a professional career.
Prior to joining Nairobi City Stars, Kusaba played for FC Eazy Akashi and FC Zenshin, a Division 2 Northern Zone club based in Kenya. In the previous season, FC Zenshin finished 12th with 33 points in the FKF National Division 2 Northern Zone – Pool B.
