01 Sep 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink
Yuto Kusaba
Yuto Kusaba dring his unveiling at Nairobi City Stars offices on Wed 23 Aug 2023

Club Statement: Yuto Kusaba

September 1, 2023

Nairobi City Stars wishes to announce that, regrettably, our recent signing – Japanese striker Yuto Kusaba – will be unavailable for the first part of the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season.

Yuto transferred to Nairobi City Stars in the past week from Embu-based FC Zenshin, a fourth-tier side featuring in FKF Division Two (Northern Zone), in time for the new season.

Notwithstanding, it emerged thereafter that international guidelines of the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) had not been met prior to his move to Simba wa Nairobi.

That position can only be rectified in the next international transfer window that reopens on 1st January 2024.

Based on the foregoing, Yuto, a former player with St. Andrews University, and Basara Hyogo in Japan before coming to Kenya as a volunteer with an Embu-based NGO, where he got the opportunity to feature for FC Zenshin, will have to wait beyond the year 2023 to have a feel of the Kenyan topflight.

Patrick Korir

CEO

Nairobi City Stars

31 Aug 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink

Friendly Fire: Nairobi City Stars 4 Kayole South Ward FC 0

August 31, 2023

A brace of goals from Mohammed Bajaber, and one each from Brian Mose, and Yuto Kusaba handed hosts Nairobi City Stars a 4-0 win over Kayole South Ward FC during a shape-up game at Ligi Ndogo Grounds on Wednesday 30 August 2023.

Bajaber headed home the opening goal on 13 minutes after connecting to a power throw-in from Brian Mose. He completed his brace just three minutes later off an assist from Yuto.

It was 3-0 after 32 minutes when Mose sent home a Clifford Ouma assist.

The tie ended at 4-0 on 53 minutes after Yuto fired home a cross from Bajaber.

The game handed play time to the set of players that did not feature – or grabbed a few minutes – in the opening 2023-24 FKF Premier League game against Muhooni Youth on Sunday 27 August 2023. It ended 0-0.

“The friendly game was aimed at handing all players in the squad match fitness before the next game. It playing a competitive friendly against a very good Kayole side, all the players are now at par with those that played on Sunday and can now fight for selection in the next league game against Bidco United on Sunday,” said assistant coach Peter Opiyo

Nairobi City Stars Lineup

1. Edwin Mukolwe (23. Julius Ombacho-46), 30. Rowland Makati, 32. Sostehenes Idah, 6. Ronney Kola, 8. Calvin Masawa, 18. Clifford Ouma (25. Brian Mzee-46), 31. Abuyeka Kubasu, 9. Mohammed Bajaber, 21. Yuto Kusaba, Robinson Asenwa (27. Gilbert Abala-46), 17. Brian Mose (11. Andrew Kisilu-46)

Coach: Nicholas Muyoti

30 Aug 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink
Nairobi City Stars players prior to the opening 2023-24 FKF Premier League game against Muhoroni Youth in Kasarani Annex on Sun 27 Aug 2023. It ended 0-0
Nairobi City Stars players prior to the opening 2023-24 FKF Premier League game against Muhoroni Youth in Kasarani Annex on Sun 27 Aug 2023. It ended 0-0

What four City Stars debutants had to say

August 30, 2023

Nairobi City Stars kicked off the new 2023-24 FKF Premier League season on Sunday 27 August 2023 by posting a 0-0 draw against visiting Muhoroni Youth in Kasarani Annex.

Named for the game were six new faces in the Simba wa Nairobi 20-man squad, four of whom went on to clock premiership minutes.

While center-back Wycliffe Awiko Omondi nailed a full game on his debut, striker Brian Mose Nymabane, flyer Gilbert Abala, and defensive midfielder Brian Omondi Mzee all came on as second-half substitutes.

This is what they said on their step into the Kenyan topflight:

“My debut went very well, I liked it. It’s now to build up on it and push the team to wins. I look forward to many more games at this level,” said Brian Omondi Mzee formerly of Kibera Black Stars

City Stars

Brian Mzee on his debut for Nairobi City Stars against Muhoroni Youth in the 2023-24 FKF Premier League opener on Sun 27 Aug 2023 in Kasarani Annex. It ended 0-0

“It’s a whole new level but it came with no pressure at all. I felt comfortable though it was my first premier league game,” said Wycliffe Omondi who was roped in from Migori Youth

City Stars

Wycliffe Omondi on his debut for Nairobi City Stars against Muhoroni Youth in the 2023-24 FKF Premier League opener on Sun 27 Aug 2023 in Kasarani Annex. It ended 0-0

“I wouldn’t say much of it because I came as a very late substitute. I didn’t get enough minutes to showcase what I could do but even then, I am hoping for more playtime in the games to come,” said Gilbert Abala signed from Busia Sugar FC

Gilbert Abala on his debut for Nairobi City Stars against Muhoroni Youth in the 2023-24 FKF Premier League opener on Sun 27 Aug 2023 in Kasarani Annex. It ended 0-0

“I enjoyed that first game in the few minutes that I received. Too bad we did not pick a win. I hope to get more games and minutes as we go along as we go for wins,” said Brian Mose formerly of Narok Division 2 side Total Spurs.

Brian Mose on his debut for Nairobi City Stars against Muhoroni Youth in the 2023-24 FKF Premier League opener on Sun 27 Aug 2023 in Kasarani Annex. It ended 0-0

While the four got minutes, center-back Sosthenes Idah as well as goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe, signed from Polisi Tanzania and Bidco United, respectively, were unused substitutes.

Other than the six newcomers, three others: Robinson Asenwa from Vapor Sports, Yuto Kusaba from Embu-based FC Zenshin, and goalkeeper Julius Ombacho all had a rest day.

27 Aug 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink
City Stars
City Stars right back Edwin Buliba on the ball against Muoroni Youth in the opening game of the 2023-24 FKF Premier League in Kasarani Annex on Sun 27 Aug 2023. It ended 0-0

MD 1: Nairobi City Stars 0 Muhoroni Youth 0

August 27, 2023

Nairobi City Stars ended a streak of two straight defeats in the opening games of the season after posting a 0-0 draw against Muhoroni Youth in Kasarani Annex during matchday 1 in the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season.

The result could have been different had Kelvin Etemesi – last season’s top scorer with 12 goals – not missed a late penalty.

In the game head coach Nicholas Muyoti named six debutants in the match-day squad, and four went on to earn premiership minutes.

While Wycliffe Omondi went on to clock a full 90 minutes on his debut, defensive midfielder Brian Mzee, forwards Brian Mose, and Gilbert Abala all earned under four minutes of playtime.

Next up for Simba wa Nairobi is an away game against Bidco United on Saturday 2 September 2023 at Kasarani Annex starting at 3 p.m.

Lineups

Nairobi City Stars: 13. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 26. Dennis Wanjala, 15. *Wycliffe Omondi, 4. Timothy Muganda, 12. Edwin Buliba, 16. Elvis Noor, 19. Vincent Owino (11. Andrew Kisilu-63), 10. Dennis Oalo (27. *Gilbert Abala-89), 22. Samuel Kapen (17. *Brian Mose-86), 15. Newton Ochieng (25. *Brian Mzee-86), 20. Kelvin Etemesi (18. Clifford Ouma-89)

*Kenyan Premier League debuts

Unused subs: 1. Edwin Mukolwe (GK), 8. Calvin Masawa, 30. Rowland Makati, 32. Sostehenes Idah

Out: 3. Robinson Asenwa, 6. Ronney Kola, 7. Pius Omachi, 9. Mohammed Bajaber, 21. Yuto Kusaba, 23. Julius Ombacho, 31. Abuyeka Kubasu

Coach: Nicholas Muyoti

Muhoroni Youth: 33. Tom Muthomi, 19. Cliff Otieno, 17. Stephen Bulugu, 13. Alex Onchwari, 26. Erick Juma, 18. Christopher Raila, 27. Ibrahim Ochieng, 25. Kevin Okoth, 31. Maxwell Odada, 15. Stephen Mbulere, 29. Collins Odhiambo

Unused: 39. Ezekiel Owade, 1. Michael Kagiri, 8. Wycliffe Onyango, 34. Ali Sharif, 32. Edwin Okoth, 9. Felix Ochieng, 16. Abubakar Eneji, 11. Samuel Adebonwale, 28. Clinton Bulimo

Coach: Charles Odero

Yellow cards

Nairobi City Stars: 15. Wycliffe Omondi-34, Dennis Oalo-52
Muhoroni Youth: –

27 Aug 2023
NCS, Team News Permalink
City Stars ahead of a past league game
City Stars ahead of a past league game

Six in line for Premier debuts in season opener

August 27, 2023

There are six new faces named in Nairobi City Stars 20-man squad ahead of the 2023-24 FKF Premier League opener against Muhoroni Youth in Kasarani Annex on Sunday 27 August 2023 starting at 3 pm.

The six are part of the nine arrivals to the Simba wa Nairobi family for the new season.

Goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe, signed from Bidco United, is up against Elvis Ochoro for a starting berth in the upcoming game.

Two defenders; Sosthenes Idah and Wycliffe Omondi, signed from Polisi Tanzania and Migori Youth, respectively, have been named amongst five regulars ahead of the game.

Midfielder Brian Mzee, in from Kibera Black Stars, will be seeking a place in the midfield while teenagers Brian Mose and Gilbert Abala, from lower tier sides Total Spurs from Narok and Busia Sugar, will be looking for game time as forwards.

While the six made the cut, three others: Robinson Asenwa from Vapor Sports, Julius Ombacho from Luanda Villa, and Yuto Kusaba from FC Zenshin, all take a rest from the opener

Squad to face Muhoroni Youth

Goalkeepers: 1. Edwin Mukolwe, 13. Elvis Ochoro

Defenders: 4. Timothy Muganda, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 15. Wycliffe Omondi, 25. Dennis Wanjala, 30. Rowland Makati, 32. Sosthenes Idah

Midfielders: 2. Elvis Noor, 5. Newton Ochieng, 11. Andrew Kisilu, 18. Clifford Ouma, 19. Vincent Owino, 25. Brian Mzee

Forawrds: 9. Dennis Oalo, 17. Brian Mose, 20. Kelvin Etemesi, 22. Samuel Kapen, 27. Gilbert Abala

Out: 3. Robinson Asenwa, 6. Ronney Kola, 7. Pius Omachi, 9. Mohammed Bajaber, 21. Yuto Kusaba, 23. Julius Ombacho, 31. Abuyeka Kubasu

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