By Phillip Orwa
Pwani Oil FC gained valuable exposure to top-tier competition after featuring in a Mozzart Campaign FKF Cup Round of 64 fixture against Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks at KPA Mbaraki Stadium, where they suffered a 7–0 defeat.
The match formed part of Pwani Oil FC’s broader participation in the FKF National Football Tournament, a platform aimed at nurturing talent, promoting youth development, and fostering community engagement through sport.
Despite the heavy loss that ended their FKF Cup campaign at the Round of 64 stage, head coach Paul Terry Kwoba described the encounter as a valuable learning experience for both the players and the technical bench.
Kwoba said the opportunity to compete against an established top-flight side provided important insights, allowing the team to measure itself against higher-level opposition and better 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.”
The fixture offered a rare chance for Pwani Oil FC to test their progress against elite opposition in a competitive environment. Facing a team with Premier League pedigree exposed the squad to the pace, physicality, and intensity that define top-tier football—lessons the coaching staff believes will be crucial in shaping the team’s development.
Kwoba noted that such encounters help players gain confidence and broaden their understanding of the game, particularly for younger athletes still adapting to competitive football.
As the team shifts focus back to its Regional League commitments, the coach expressed confidence that the lessons drawn from the match will contribute to stronger performances in future fixtures.
Meanwhile, Pwani Oil Products Limited, sponsors of Pwani Oil FC, praised the team’s determination and progress, noting that the squad remains in a developmental phase and continues to gain valuable experience at a competitive level.
“As a company, we are committed to transforming the lives of the communities in which we operate, with sports promotion being among our key focus areas for talent development,” said Pwani Oil 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.
