The Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars team started their weeklong Spanish training camp on Monday with a full day of football sessions, cultural experiences and a friendly match at SD Huesca Academy.
The All-Stars girls’ side got off to their competitive outings with a super motivating 2-2 draw against Huesca’s U13 boys’ team, a game that pushed their tactical discipline and physicality to the limit against a top European academy setup.
Earlier, the team had a brief with SD Huesca’s coaching staff and attended some masterclass sessions at the club’s training facilities. After that, they conducted a joint training session with the club’s U23 academy which concentrated on tactical drills, technical skills, physical fitness, and mental preparation. In the afternoon, the players made a picturesque circuit of the Casco Histórico de Huesca for cultural immersion.
Juan Ramon Fung, coach of SD Huesca’s U23 side, is strong in praising the Kenyan players’ potential and adaptability during the training sessions.
“Together with the girls’ team, we had a really great session, and I can see a bright future for them. They have started doing faster play, keeping the ball moving, and making quicker decisions at the goal. The way they are advancing is impressive, and I think they should follow it up to become top-level players,” said Fung.
Striker Martha Nafula explained that the experience was very enlightening and was a very important step in her growth as a player.
“Playing the U13 boys’ team was quite a challenge, and I also learned a lot from training and playing the match. You must quickly make your decisions and take fewer touches to finish your chances. It is not our usual style of play but it is making me better,” she said.
The tour, which is part of Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 4, aims at nurturing talent from the grassroots, giving players international exposure and creating opportunities for young players to take professional routes. The All-Stars will continue with their training camp with SD Huesca coaches, engage in cultural exchanges, and play more friendly matches against elite academy teams during the week.
Tomorrow, the activities will include more masterclasses and a Chapa Dimba boys’ vs U23 team friendly match will be held which everyone is looking forward to seeing.