We’ve been going back full time for a few months now and from the start the bar has been raised from last year. In only our second week of playing we matched our skills against the best under-19 team in the country, literally, Thika United’s under-19 team.
We hosted them on Marist University’s beautiful pitch in, the Nairobi suburb of, Karen. Thika’s guys looked like American 17-19 year old athletes, big, healthy, and strong. They’d won the Kenyan Premier League under-19 tournament only the month before and looked really good. They beat us 5-1 but in all fairness it was still 3 -1 a good way into the second half when we missed a chance to bring it back to within a point by missing a penalty. At the end of the day it was about seeing where the best kids there age are so they can see where they need to get to.
At the end of June we entered a tournament happening in Ngong. Even though in this competition it is mostly adult teams taking place we have managed to win and tie two of our three games so far. Our first game the other team didn’t show, which is how we got the win. The second we lost but the third we tied 1-1. It was a team of twenty and thirty something guys and we were winning 1 – 0 until the last few minutes of the game when the referee made an insane call that gave them a free-kick right outside the box that they converted.
Last weekend we didn’t have a tournament game so played a local team of twenty-something year old guys that we won 3-0. The first goal was a bit controversial as it could have been offsides but we controlled most of the game. We especially dominated the second half as we got all three goals then and probably had about seventy percent of the possession.
I feel like the team is on the same pace as last year in the way that after some games they are starting to fall into their shape and rhythm. Hopefully they can keep it going into next month when we hope to take part in either the Manchester for Kibera or East African Tournament, which will be against kids our guys age.
Thanks for taking the time to support the team. If you’d like take a few more to meet who we have this year.
Eric
Games - 9
Goals - 6
Assists - 2
A total-footballler who has played well for us as a defender, midfielder and striker. As you can see by his goals and assists tally he excels as an attacker. He is also disciplined and has a good work ethic. Great prospects.
Titus
Games - 10
Goals - 1
Assists - 1
Our pass-master. Plays center midfieler, likes Manchester United and is a Scholes and Xavi type of player. He loves football, is good at football and wants to be a player, so he could be one that goes on to do big things in the sport.
Michael
Games - 10
Assists - 1
At 15 he is the one of the smallest player on the field but the one who has been commented on the most by spectators. He is a good dribbler and isn't afraid to try and take it past people. Says he wants to play like Evra but I'm trying to get him to play as a right midfielder. Has a good discipline and work ethic about him. Says he wants to be a pilot.
Ed
Games - 9
A natural center defender. Physically strong, quick and a leader on the field he could be compared to his favorite player Vidic. Likes football and wants to be a player, so is another one that could go far in the sport.
Ken
Games - 6
Goals - 1
Assists - 1
A really strong offensive player. Reminds me of a Brazillian player as he can make great passes while also being able to dribble past the guy in front of him with ease. He's really strong, has great control and overall is an exciting player to watch. Was one of two freshman to make his high school team this year.
Sam
Games - 10
Assists - 1
Though he is playing defense for us now he reminds me of a Vieira type player in the way he is long and lean but can dribble and pass. While he is one of our younger players, he has started every game. Wants to be a footballer and I believe could if he continues on.
George
Games - 5
Our goal-keeper. Has become our first team goalie and made the spot his to lose even though he is only fourteen. I hope he continues at the position as he has been getting stronger with every game. He works hard and is a good kid that we enjoy having in the club.
Mwangi
Games - 4
Goals - 1
A very exciting new edition to the club this year. I call him Nasri because everything he does reminds me of him. He's a regular first eleven player who has made the left midfield position his. I am geniunely entertained whenever I watch him. He can dribble, pass, keep his position, and uses his space brilliantly. At only 15 he is definitely one to watch.
Esho
Games - 9
"Maasai", our new right back. He is strong and fast and could probably play two games back to back without getting tired. Will soon start training to be a long distance runner with a professional marathoner who trains in the area. Good kid, great work ethic.
John
Games - 2
Another new edition to the team. He's only fourteen so is not yet a regular on the first team but it will only be a matter of time. Technically he can do everything the older kids can, he just needs to grow and continue to show up.
PK
Games - 5
Don't let the face fool you he's a good guy. Plays left back for us. Good worker and help to the younger guys. Could be a coach one day.
Simon
Games - 4
Our right back in training. Good work ethic in the way he shows up to every practice. Still young but could definitely one day be a first team regular at the right back position.
Dutch
Games - 3
Another new edition to the team. A left back in training. Is still young but will definitely be a first team player soon as he seems to be a natural player and more importantly wants to play. A good kid with good potential.
Francis
Just joined the team, plays goalie.
(players whose pictures will be added soon: Mkasa, who has scored three goals for us, and Augustine, who has a goal and an assist)
