After making his second appearance for Nairobi City Stars in five months, midfielder Abuyeka Kubasu is yearning for more.
He came on in the first half against Gor Mahia, replacing Japanese Yuto Kusaba in the game that was played at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Better still, in his second show last Saturday during FKF Premier League Match Day 22, Abuyeka earned his most minutes in the topflight league after coming on.
In September 2023, he earned his topflight debut – alongside former Vapor teammate Robinson Asenwa – against Gor Mahia at Kasarani during Match Day Three after getting 15 minutes of playtime.
“I had waited for long and I am happy to have finally returned to the field. I gave my all and I will do the same when handed more playtime in the upcoming games,” said Kubasu.
“It has not been easy for me because I had to return to the basics and improve on a few areas that I needed to upgrade and improve on during training sessions and friendly games,” said Abuyeka.
He added: “Nothing comes easy. To get here, motivation from my coaches and teammates has been worth appreciating. I am now happy and raring to go.”
In between the two Gor Mahia games, Abuyeka had a cameo show against Kenya Police on Match Day Six at the Police Sacco Stadium and had to wait for four-and-a-half months for what was only his third premier league game.
At the same time, defensive midfielder Shem Odinga had a taste of the Kenyan topflight against Gor Mahia in Machakos. Odinga made his way to the field of play in the 85th minute for Clifford Ouma for his maiden show in the Kenyan top tier.
“It’s exciting to have made my debut for Simba wa Nairobi on Saturday against Gor Mahia. I felt no pressure at all and I loved the experience and the system of play. After this first game, I am now looking forward to more minutes and games,” said Odinga.
The spoiler joined Simba wa Nairobi from lower-tier side Kibera Angels during the month-long mid-season transfer window that shut on February 8.
“Joining City Stars was easy for me because the system of play fits me. I did not think twice about joining the club especially after I was informed they had scouted me and had made an inquiry about my services,” said Odinga.
He added: “I had to grab the chance immediately, and I am so happy to be with this amazing team. I believe I will achieve a lot by the end of the season.”
Odinga becomes the eighth City Stars player to be handed his top-flight debut this season, and the 21st by head coach Nicholas Muyoti since the 2021-22 FKF Premier League season.
Wycliffe Omondi, Gilbert Abala, Brian Mose Nyambane, and Brian Mzee made their debuts in Match Day One against Muhoroni Youth, while the duo of Abuyeka Kubasu and Robinson Asenwa got their maiden games in Match Day Four against Gor Mahia.
Japanese forward Yuto Kusaba became the seventh debutant after his appearance in Match Day 20 against Shabana in Machakos.
