Talanta Hela teams whip opponents in Spain

Talanta Hela u19 boys players celebrate after a win in Spain.[Courtesy]

Kenyan teams from Talanta Hela U19 have surged into the semifinals of the 2024 Costa Daurada Cup being held in Salou, Spain.

Both the boys' and girls' teams showcased their prowess on the international stage, affirming Kenya's growing presence in the global football arena.

The girls' team, led by coach Jackline Juma, exhibited resilience and finesse as they triumphed over Sporting de Portugal in a closely contested match, securing a 3-2 victory at the Futbol Salou Sports Center.

This victory followed their impressive performances in the earlier pool matches, where they dominated CE Jupiter with a resounding 4-0 win and outclassed CD Olimpico with another 4-0 triumph.

Elizabeth Mideva's brace and Marion Musanga's crucial goal highlighted the team's attacking prowess, propelling them into the tournament's semifinals.

Coach Jackline Juma commended her players' outstanding performance, emphasizing their determination to emerge victorious in the tournament.

"A win is a win. We thank God for the win. Lisbon is a very good team. You can tell by how they are playing. They got the experience. It was a tough match but all in all we got the win," remarked Coach Juma, underlining the team's focused approach to each game.

Marion Musanga, one of the team's strikers, echoed Coach Juma's sentiments, expressing her delight at the opportunity to compete against foreign teams.

"The game was not easy. We played according to the instructions of our coach. We gave our best on the pitch, and we achieved our main goal, which was to win," shared Musanga, highlighting the significance of the tournament in showcasing their talents to scouts.

Meanwhile, the boys' team, under the guidance of coach Stanley Okumbi, demonstrated their resilience with a thrilling last-minute comeback against Usurbil FT, securing a 2-0 victory in the dying minutes of the opening half.

Derrick Oketch, the team's scorer, emphasized the importance of each win in their journey towards realizing their dreams of becoming professional players.

"The game was good. There were no major difficulties. The opponents were very weak; we just missed opportunities to score. Our approach was great. We came to compete and look for exposure," commented Oketch, reflecting on the team's strategy and determination on the field.

With their eyes set on clinching the title, the Kenyan teams remain focused and determined to make their mark on the Costa Daurada Cup.

Their success serves as a testament to the talent and potential nurtured by initiatives like Talanta Hela, which play a crucial role in identifying, nurturing, and monetizing talents to ensure a brighter future for young athletes.