Several Kariobangi Sharks FC players could be on their way to Goodison Park for trials after Everton FC manager, Marco Silva admitted he was impressed by the Kenyan outfit following their international friendly match played at MISC Kasarani in Nairobi on Sunday evening.
The hosts took the honours 4-3 on post match penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time with both sides putting up a committed display to thrill the over 64,000 record spectators who thronged the Kenyan football cathedral.
“The match was competitive. I was impressed with our opponents. I’m going to sit down and analyse the video to see if there is something good that might come out, maybe a Sharks player worth signing,” Silva Said.
The Blues manager lamented that injuries disrupted their performance in the first half which ultimately slowed them down but they picked up after the break to equalise afyte they were motivated by the rivals display.
His opposite number, William Muluya attributed Sharks performance to the power of the 12th man after local supporters who sold out the biggest sporting facility lifted them as his team marked the largest crowd it has ever played in front of in club history.
“I want to thank Kenyans for inspiring us . They supported us and we are happy to have returned the kind gesture with victory,” he underlined.
Muluya emphasised they had adequate preparation ahead of the encounter and that winning the game was an indication that they are ready for the new SportPesa Premier League season.
Talented players
He has already penned few young talented players ahead of the season among them Patrick Otieno who he praised for having adding depth in his squad during their clash with the nine-time English league champions.
“The boys we have contracted have been consistent, this is because at Sharks we try to make them feel at home,” the 2019 SportPesa Cup winning coach told.
Duke Abuya who gave Sharks the lead in the 26th minute was happy to have found the back of the net against a glamour club Everton during the historic game where his strike ignited the stadium.
“ It was a really good game, I gained experience and learnt more from the challenge and the fact that I scored is an encouragement that I can be make it internationally.
“We gave our best because we knew we were going to play a strong EPL side that also has amazing history as nine time winners,” Abuya stated.
Everton custodian, Jonas Lossl admitted they had never expected Sharks to put up such a spirited show in what was the Blues opening 2019/20 pre-season fixture.
“It is sad we lost but I want to thank our opponents for playing a good game.
“I had a different view of Kenyan football but now I can say that this is a country that is so passionate about the game and the joy, the crowd, the experience, the energy and the atmosphere we felt at the stadium was simply out of this world,” Lossl hailed.
Lossl believed their contest with Sharks was a great lesson to ponder as they seek to get into shape for the new season.
Everton left Nairobi on Sunday night on their chartered plane having become the first EPL side to play on Kenyan soil having touched the hearts of a football-loving nation.
Kenyan fans in full voice as they witnessed Kariobangi Sharks FC play Everton FC in a record crowd at the MISC Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, July 7, 2019.PHOTO/COURTESY
