By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Pwani Oil FC head coach Paul Terry Kwoba has described his team’s FKF Cup
encounter against Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks as a valuable learning
experience, despite a 7-0 defeat that ended their campaign at the Round of 64
stage.
Speaking after the match at the KPA Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa,
Kwoba said the opportunity to compete against an established top-flight team
provided important insights for both players and the technical bench, allowing the
squad to measure itself against higher-level competition and understand the
standards required to progress.
“It was a nice experience for the boys. The technical team and players have learnt
from the best,” he said. “Considering we were playing an experienced team that is
very active in the leagues, my boys did well. They were worthy opponents.”
For the lower-division side, the match represented a rare chance to test their
progress against elite opposition in a competitive setting.
Facing a team with Premier
League pedigree exposed the squad to the pace and physical intensity that define
top-tier football, offering lessons that the coaching staff believes will shape the
team’s development moving forward.
Kwoba noted that such encounters help players gain confidence and broaden their
understanding of the game, particularly for younger athletes still adjusting to
competitive environments.
According to the him, exposure to stronger opposition
forces teams to adapt quickly, sharpen decision-making, and build resilience,
qualities he considers essential for long-term growth.
“These are the moments that build teams,” he said. “When you face strong
opposition, you understand where you are and where you need to go. We will take
what we have learnt, continue improving, and come back stronger.”
Team Manager Jeremiah Okaalo echoed the coach’s sentiments, praising the
players for their determination and willingness to compete despite the challenge
posed by experienced opponents. He said the team approached the match with
confidence and maintained its identity throughout the game.
“Very good competition against a Premier League side. The boys did their best; they
played their game and they live to fight another day,” he said.
As the team turns its attention back to Regional League commitments, both Kwoba
and Okaalo expressed confidence that the lessons gained from the encounter will
contribute to stronger performances in future matches.
“We will take this as motivation. The players have seen the level
required, and now we continue working to reach it,” said Kwoba.
Meanwhile, Pwani Oil Products Limited, sponsors of Pwani Oil FC, acknowledged
the team’s determination and growth, noting that the relatively young squad is still in
a developmental phase and gaining valuable experience at a competitive level.
“As a company, we are committed to transforming the lives of the communities in
which we operate, with sport promotion being among our key focal areas for talent
development,” said Pwani Oil’s Commercial Director, Rajul Malde.
“While the team exited the tournament earlier than expected, we remain proud of
their resilience. Competing against top-flight opposition has provided an important
learning opportunity for this young team to sharpen their skills, and raise the overall
quality of their game”.
