Former Harambee Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi has challenged the Kenyan U19 team, in Spain, to take advantage of the exposure and showcase their talents to the rest of the world.The select teams, jetted out on Saturday to Spain where they, will feature in the Costa Daurada Cup this week and later take part in elite training.Okumbi,who is handling the boys’ team, implored the budding stars to run with the opportunity as scores of scouts will be keeping a close eye on the participating teams.Coaches confident in Kenyan U19 players landing deals in SpainWith Kenya set to be in action on Tuesday, Okumbi, who is known for his affinity for working with young players, reminded his charges to make the most out of the opportunity as it could potentially open bigger doors in their careers.“This is a perfect opportunity for our players to market themselves. They should be ready to impress and perform individually and as a team,” said Okumbi.Ahead of the two assignments set for Tuesday, the former national U20 team coach revealed that he was working round the clock to get the players mentally ready for the matches.Talanta Hela U19 boys and girls teams safely in Spain, started their training sessions at Nastic Soccer Academy in Tarragona ahead of the Costa Daurad Cup tournament kick-off today. Building the future today. #TalantaHela pic.twitter.com/wnRHjzjNDs— Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH🇰🇪 (@AbabuNamwamba) March 25, 2024 Okumbi said the team embarked on familiarizing itself with the state of the pitch after arriving in Spain to be ready for action.“We have been working on the speed of passing since we are not used to such kind of surfaces. We are also preparing the players mentally for the matches ahead. If we win our first game, then it will be easier to navigate through the tournament,” remarked Okumbi.Sports CS Ababu Namwamba pleased with Talanta Stadium progress, promises hasty completionMeanwhile, Okumbi highlighted the significance of the Talanta Hela tournament that produced the two teams to Spain.The former Mathare United tactician said, that having, tournaments of such caliber and organization from the grassroots to the national level will help unearth more talents and ensure a regular supply of talent to the national teams.“We need more of these tournaments for the sake of the exposure of the players. We have to work hard to get more raw talent from across the country,” added Okumbi.
