Namwamba hails Talanta Hela U19 teams' excursion in Spain

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has hailed the partnership between Kenya Academy of Sports and Spain based Nastic Sports Academy (NSA) saying it will play a big role in growing sporting talent in Kenya.

The partnership which was signed on Tuesday evening at Nastic Stadium in Taragona Spain will include coaches training, player scouting and infrastructural development in Kenya ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nastic has been hosting the Talanta Hela U19 boys and girls teams for a ten-day training camp in Barcelona.

The boy’s side clinched the Costa Daurada Cup while the ladies team finished runners up.

“I have travelled all the way to Spain to oversee the signing of the partnership between Kenya Academy of Sports and Nastic Sports Academy and with this initiative we will witness different players across the country improving their skills in different sports and ensuring they earn from it.”

CS Namwamba said the youngsters were exposed to a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will play a major role as they burst on to the football scene.

“Bringing the teams in Spain it’s a good opportunity for them to acquire great football skills and read the game from different perspective. This is just the beginning and as a ministry we will ensure we continue enabling our young talents.”

The academy has 23 Kenya footballers including Tyrone Njoroge Kariuki, Aldrine Kibet (strikers), Amos Wanjala, and Ismael Odhiambo (defenders) as well as Nuaym Naseeb, Alvin Kasavuli, Ezekiel Nguwa, Craig Muhindi (midfielders) among others.

163 students from different part of the world have received scholarship through the academy as it also offers paddle Tennis and karting trainings.

The Talanta hela teams are expected to return back to Kenya on Wednesday night.

“Kenya has talented players who are ambitious and ready to learn. We have a good relationship with Kenyan Government and we want to extend our partnership for the betterments of young talents and to help the growth of football,” said Carlos Guillen, director of football at the Academy.