Talenta Hela U19 team concludes Spanish tour with triumph on Easter Monday

Kenya's Talanta Hela U19 team in action against Spanish side Eldense FC. [Courtesy]

Talenta Hela U19 boys capped off their Easter holiday with an impressive display, clinching victory over Spanish side Eldense FC with a commanding 4-2 win in a friendly match held on Monday at the Nastic Training Ground.

The Kenyan youngsters entered the match seeking redemption following a tough defeat to Spanish lower-tier outfit CD Castellon just days earlier. Determined to make amends, the team showcased their resilience and skill on the pitch, securing a well-deserved victory against Eldense FC.

The hero of the match was none other than Austin Odongo, the top scorer of the 2024 Costa Daurada tournament. Odongo delivered a stellar performance, netting a hat-trick to lead Talenta Hela to victory.

The opening goal came in the 19th minute when Ismael Odhiambo rose above the defense to head in a precise corner kick from Samuel Indonyi. With this early advantage, Talenta Hela went into halftime with a narrow lead.

However, it was in the second half that Odongo truly shone, finding the back of the net in the 60th, 65th, and 74th minutes to secure his hat-trick and seal the win for his team.

Despite his impressive performance, Odongo expressed a tinge of disappointment in his personal display, stating his ambition to score even more goals during the tour.

Kenya's Talanta Hela U19 team in action against Spanish side Eldense FC. [Courtesy]

"The game has been good. We came to learn. At least today I have scored three goals. It motivates me to score more goals in the future. Scoring is my job. That is why I pushed myself to the limit to propel the team to higher levels," Odongo remarked.

"I have not achieved my dreams. My target was to score many goals but it has already happened. Next time I will score many goals. This tournament had limited matches, so I did not perform well. If I played enough time, I would have scored even 12 goals," he added, reflecting on his aspirations for future matches.

The 17-year-old striker, who draws inspiration from the likes of Michael Olung'a, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports through the Kenya Academy of Sports for organizing the Spain tour.

He emphasized the invaluable lessons learned during the trip, including discipline, timekeeping, and the importance of giving their best on the field.

"I have learned a lot like discipline, timekeeping, and being at our best. If we follow the coaches' instructions, it will be good. They are experienced and help us grow," Odongo stated, acknowledging the role of coaching staff in their development.

With their successful outing in Spain now behind them, Talenta Hela U19 boys will shift their focus to supporting their female counterparts as they prepare to take on Calafell later in the day.

As the team returns home, they carry with them valuable experiences and lessons that will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors on the rugby pitch.