So Close Yet So Far Away

After winning the regional Copa Coca Cola Tournament last month, our Suba Lakers Club prepared to bring our under-17 girls to participate in the Provencial Tournament in Kisii. The girls travelled to Mbita for a couple of days of training before we departed for the tournament. We were able to reach the semifinals, but one of the best clubs in the country was standing in our way of progressing to the finals. Kisumu Youth Olympic is a well-established club that houses their players in hostels and train intimidated by their opponent. The game was one of the most even games I have been involved in here with both teams trading a few limited chances in the first half. Just before the half-time whistle Kisumu scored a goal on a counter attack as the Suba Laker defense didn't retreat back ievery day. Last year they were able to travel to Sweden to participate in a youth tournament.

Our girls stormed out of the gate breathing fire; not at all n time. The second half was very similar to the first and we had some good chances, except our strikers were trying to shoot from too far away instead of bringing the ball further into the box for a closer shot.

We were too disappointed in the loss, but also pleased at the effort and the level of play that our girls displayed. The next match wasn't as good. The following morning a couple of the girls were dealing with sickness or injuries and couldn't match the strength and speed of Kisii in the third place game. All in all, it was a successful weekend as our young girls team continues to gain experience. They are learning much in football, as well as in academics and character development and life in general.