The Talanta Hela U19 boys and girls teams are set to return to Kenya on Friday after their successful participation in the Costa Daurada Cup and a series of friendly matches in Tarragona, Spain.
Under the guidance of Stanley Okumbi, the boys’ team emerged as the overall champions, defeating the Spanish side Usurbil Futbol Taldea 3-0 in the final. Austin Odongo scored a brace, with captain Hamisi Otieno adding the third goal. Notably, Odongo, a student at Ebwali Secondary School, and Hamisi, from Goseta Boys High School, showcased outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Odongo also clinched the top scorer title alongside William Gitamu, with each scoring three goals.
In their final match against Eldense FC, the boys’ team secured a 4-2 victory, with Odongo netting a hat-trick and Ismael Odhiambo contributing another goal. Despite suffering a defeat against Nastic Sports Academy, where Aldrine Kibet and Amos Wanjala, formerly of St Anthony’s Boys Kitale, featured, the boys’ team demonstrated resilience and skill.
Meanwhile, the girls’ team, led by Jackline Juma, finished as runners-up in the Costa Daurada Cup, narrowly losing to Sporting Lisbon in the final. Elizabeth Mideva, who scored a total of 9 goals in 8 games, stood out alongside Marion Musanga and Emily Morang’a, who also made significant contributions.
They displayed commendable prowess, securing a 5-0 win against Calafell FC in their final match yesterday evening. Elizabeth Mideva led the scoring, supported by Marion Musanga’s brace and goals from Emily Morang’a and Halima Imachi.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, present at the girls’ last match, emphasized the trip’s educational value beyond tournament success. He congratulated both teams on their achievements, highlighting the exposure gained and the diverse football experiences encountered.
‘Congratulations to our U19 Boys for winning the Costa Daurada Cup and to the girls for reaching the final and losing on penalties,’ said the CS.
‘But this was not just about coming to win a tournament, it was about exposure and gaining experiences different from what they are used to. The players have interacted with people from different backgrounds and football cultures,’ he added.
Nastic Football Academy’s Director, Ian Carlos, expressed delight in hosting the Kenyan teams and praised those attached to the academy for their development and adaptation to the academy’s system and methodology.
‘We are very happy to have both Kenyan teams, the girls and the boys,’ he said.
‘We have people from over 20 countries, and among them, we have like 23 Kenyans. We are very happy with them, they are developing well and adapting to our system and methodology,’ he added.
The trip not only showcased Kenya’s football talent but also fostered international partnerships, exemplified by Namwamba’s efforts to finalize a deal between the Kenyan government and Nastic Football Academy.
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