Sunira Were and Kathleen Kurgat, two standout players from Moi Girls High School in Eldoret, are excited after representing the Talanta Hela U19 team in the prestigious Costa Daurada Cup in Spain.The girls staged a spirited fight to qualify for the final stage where they went down 2-0 to Sporting de Portugal in a match that was decided on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, the youngsters’ enthusiasm knew no bounds as they explained how showcasing their talent on an international stage felt. They played against some of the finest youth football teams from around the globe.“It has been amazing. A dream come true for me,” Sunira offered.“It has been among my greatest experiences. Coming to Spain is not something normal to other people. The experience has been great,” her schoolmate Kathleen backed her.Amidst the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Spanish nation, the girls noted that the bitter cold of the Spanish nation presented a challenge. The cold temperatures are a sharp contrast to the warm weather in Kenya.They noted that their unfamiliarity with the Spanish cuisine and their opponents’ techniques also posed a challenge.“We did not anticipate the different foods. So far, we have coped with some of them, but it is challenging. Apart from meals, there is the##NAJAVA_MECA_7994709##On the difference in the level of competition, the youngsters admitted that the foreign teams brought a high-level competition.“The level of competition here is high. Teams are playing a high-level game to compete against them, you have to be at your best. The formation too is different. For example, their corner balls are sure goals and we have to ensure they do not get any so that they do not score,” Kurgat said. Talanta Hela U19 teams light up Spain“To play against them, we must be fast and handle the pressure. We should not be under any pressure during the game because we mess up a lot when we are under pressure. We have also learned not to underrate our opponents. Coming here, we thought that the whites could not match our strength. But in terms of physicality, they are better off,” Sunira added.Despite that, they were glad that the Spanish experience was testing their skills, and they picked the necessary lessons.“This tournament will impact my career. It has motivated me to play more. I did not know that football would bring me to Spain. I will work hard in my training and God willing I will achieve my dream,” Sunira averred.“This tournament has added something to my CV. Someday, I will say that I went to Spain to participate in a tournament and we came in second. The medals we got are also a motivating factor,” Kurgat concluded.
