Kenya's Talanta Hela teams shine bright in Spain's Costa Daurada Cup debut

Kenya's Talanta Hela Under-19 girls team pose for a group photo before their match against Ce Constanti.[Courtesy]

Kenya’s Talanta Hela U19 football teams kicked off their campaign in the Costa Daurada Cup in remarkable fashion, dominating their opponents on the tournament's opening day in Tarragona, Spain.

The journey for both the men's and women's squads began following the conclusion of the inaugural Talanta Hela U19 football tournament held last year.

Their participation in the Costa Daurada Cup was made possible through the support of the Ministry of Sports via the Kenya Academy of Sports.

The boys' team commenced their journey with a resounding 3-0 victory over CF Constantine at the CD Riudoms Stadium. Despite facing chilly conditions, the team exhibited determination, with goals coming from Alex Kipruto, Elisha Nalianya, and Derrick Oketch.

They continued their winning streak by defeating X Buyer Team A with a convincing 4-0 scoreline in their second match of the day.

Coach Stanley Okumbi expressed his delight at the team's performance, attributing it to their excitement about competing in Spain.

Despite arriving only the day before, the team managed to overcome jetlag and deliver commendable results. Okumbi emphasized the importance of such tournaments in exposing players to high-intensity matches, advocating for more initiatives like Talanta Hela to foster football development in Kenya.

Kenya's Talanta Hela Under-19 boys team warm up in Spain.[Courtesy]

Meanwhile, the Talanta Hela U19 ladies' team showcased their prowess with a dominant 4-0 victory over CE Jupiter in their opening fixture.

Goals from Elizabeth Mideva (brace), Marion Musanga, and Hilda Natecho secured a convincing win, earning praise from their coach Jackline Juma.

Juma highlighted the significance of tournaments like the Costa Daurada Cup in providing exposure and nurturing talent, underscoring the potential impact on the development of football in Kenya.

Looking ahead, both teams are geared up for their upcoming matches, with the ladies' team set to face Sporting de Portugal next. T

he Costa Daurada Cup, known for attracting top academies worldwide, offers a platform for young talents to shine and compete at a professional level. With their promising start, Talanta Hela's journey in Spain holds the promise of further success as they aim to leave a mark on the international stage.