Tusker Youth head coach Peter Kariuki has expressed his satisfaction with his side’s performances at the third edition of the 82 Ultimate Cup, despite their narrow 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Leads United in Sunday’s final.
The Tusker Youth Team clinched the Kasarani Region title to secure qualification for the County finals, where they showcased their pedigree with composed victories in both the quarter-final and semi-final stages, before eventually falling to fellow FKF Division II side Leads United in the final, decided by the lottery of penalties.
“I am really proud of the boys,” Kariuki said.
“We showed what we are capable of and played high-level football across all our matches. The character, discipline and maturity the players displayed was impressive, and I am very pleased with the experience we gained from this tournament. Playing three intense, high-level matches in just three days really tests a team, and as a technical bench, we are delighted with the progress and lessons taken.”
Reflecting on the final, the coach acknowledged the fine margins that often define cup football.
“Penalties are always about who is luckiest on the day,” he added. “We should have wrapped up the game in regulation time, but that is football. These are tough lessons for young players, and part of the learning curve in this beautiful game. I cannot fault the boys at all. They played their hearts out.”
Tusker Youth finished second in the competition, earning Sh500,000, but Kariuki insists the true value of the tournament lay in the experience and growth gained by his squad.
Attention now turns back to the FKF Division II League, where Tusker Youth currently sit eighth on the table with 12 points from 10 matches.
While the campaign has not had the ideal start, Kariuki believes the confidence, morale and momentum drawn from the 82 Ultimate Cup run can serve as a catalyst for improved performances in the league.
Kariuki’s sentiments are shared by Team Manager Calvin Odhiambo who says;
“I am really happy with what I saw. The boys exhibited a great fighting spirit and we were just unlucky on the day. We want to use this momentum going into the league and I am very confident we will post improved results.”
