Juma impressed with Talanta Hela teams show in Spain
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 04.04.24. | 17:46
The team was in Spain for two weeks where they competed in the Costa Daurada Cup as well as engaged in several friendlies
Talanta Hela U19 girls team's coach Jackline Juma has heaped praises on her charges' impressive performance in Spain.
The team was in Spain for two weeks where they competed in the Costa Daurada Cup as well as engaged in several friendlies.
The girls finished the tournament at position two after a 2-0 loss to Sporting de Portugal in a match that was decided on post-match penalties.
“The journey was amazing. We left here with a goal and we have achieved it and I can say that it was a good performance. It was a new environment for them and it was a learning experience. At first, there was stage fright because it was Europe, but they eventually gained the courage and conquered. It was a great exposure. I am happy for their performance,” said Juma.
After the conclusion of the tournament, they competed in two friendly matches each.
The girls claimed victories in all their friendlies. They defeated Real Zaragoza 3-0 before dominating Calafell FC with a score of 5-0.
The boys on the other hand played their opening match against CD Castellón, where they suffered a 5-1 defeat before bouncing back to win against Spanish side Eldense FC with a score of 4-2 in the final match.
Pomp and color reception
The teams were welcomed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at around 1:00 am on Thursday in a spectacle of pomp and color.
Upon descending from the plane, each team member was greeted with bouquets from the visibly excited government officials.
However, it was the traditional dancers who stole the show. Their rhythmic movements and spirited performances of isukuti (traditional dances) captivated the onlookers at the airport.
The jetlag seemed to disappear as the team and their technical bench eagerly joined the dancing bringing the airport to a standstill.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport during the homecoming, the boys’ team captain Elisha Nalianya, the trip served as a wake-up call to them to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
He noted that it was a dream come true for most of the players.
“We enjoyed. The journey was good we have learned a lot. We have also gained experience. It feels good to be back home because we had promised our fellow Kenyans that we would bring something home and we kept the promise,” Ochieng said.
His sentiments were echoed by the girls’ captain Vidah Okeyo who noted that international competition provided them with invaluable lessons that they would apply in their respective games.
She however decried the cold Spanish weather and the cuisine which was not favorable for them.
“We expected to take the first position but we did not manage. It was a good experience; we learned a lot and interacted with many people. It was cold and the food was strange. We missed Ugali,” Okeyo averred.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Sports, acting director of sports Jackson Indakwa hailed the team for their exploits in Spain, noting that it was the first of many.
He promised bigger and better tournaments to expose the youngsters to high-intensity matches in a bid to make Kenyan sports greater.
“I want to welcome the teams’ home on behalf of our CS Ababu Namwamba. We watched their games and were happy our boys could fight on that big stage. We hope to give them more exposure opportunities. This was just the beginning. I want to urge the boys to train hard as we expect the best from them,” Indakwa concluded.
