Pwani Oil FC head coach Paul Terry Kwoba turned his team’s FKF Cup match against Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks as a critical learning opportunity Saturday, despite a 7-0 defeat that eliminated the lower-division squad from the tournament at the Round of 64 stage.
Speaking after the match at KPA Mbaraki Stadium, Kwoba said the opportunity to face established top-flight opposition provided crucial insights for both players and technical staff, allowing the team to measure itself against higher-level competition and understand the standards required for advancement.
“It was a nice experience for the boys. The technical team and players have learnt from the best,” Kwoba said. “Considering we were playing an experienced team that is very active in the leagues, my boys did well. They were worthy opponents.”
Exposure to elite competition shapes development
For the lower-division club, the match represented a rare opportunity to test progress against elite opposition in competitive conditions. Facing a team with Premier League credentials exposed the squad to the pace and physical intensity that define top-tier football, offering lessons the coaching staff believes will inform the team’s development trajectory.
Kwoba noted such encounters help players gain confidence and broaden their understanding of the game, particularly younger athletes still adjusting to competitive environments.
According to the coach, exposure to stronger opposition forces teams to adapt quickly, sharpen decision-making and build resilience — qualities he considers essential for sustained 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 maintains competitive identity despite challenge
Team Manager Jeremiah Okaalo echoed the coach’s assessment, praising 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.
“Very good competition against a Premier League side. The boys did their best; they played their game and they live to fight another day,” Okaalo said.
Focus shifts to regional competition
As the team redirects attention to Regional League commitments, both Kwoba and Okaalo expressed confidence that lessons from the encounter will contribute to stronger performances in future matches.
“We will take this as motivation,” Kwoba said. “The players have seen the level required, and now we continue working to reach it.”
Pwani Oil Products Limited, the team’s sponsor, acknowledged the squad’s determination and growth, noting the relatively young team remains in a developmental phase while gaining valuable competitive experience.
“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 Rajul Malde, Pwani Oil’s Commercial Director. “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.”
The match marked another step in Pwani Oil FC’s ongoing development as the club works to build competitive capacity within Kenya’s football landscape.
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.
