Pro Touch winners, (back from left) goalkeeping coach Manuel Pazo, Elvis Ushelumba, James Odhiambo, Abdul Ohifade, Daniel Osilaja, Michael Okello, Salim Cagiran, Emmanuel Osilaja, Dominic Short, assistant coach Kris Kuopa, and head coach Tony Blair; (front from left) Ricardo Goovlia, Theo Gillard, Mathew Ruiz, Alex Pazo, Oscar Pulpito, Hamza Oubbad, Louis Cross and William Dumbili.

Published: 18 April, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

A SQUAD full of potential pro footballers put in a performance that any top club in the world would have been proud of when they beat Lambeth Allstars to win the AFA County Cup.

Players from Pro Touch Soccer Academy left spectators drooling at Norseman Football Club in Edmonton when they romped to a resounding 9-0 victory to capture the prestigious Under-15s title.

Man of the match James Odhiambo, who is currently on trial at Leyton Orient, led the charge with four goals, while strike partner Emmanuel Osilaja helped himself to a superb hat-trick.

Midfielders Mathew Ruiz, who is also on trial with League One side Orient, and Dominic Short also both found the back of the net.

Head coach Tony Blair, who has been working with the squad of players from Camden and Islington since September, was full of praise for his side following the big win.

 “The scoreline reflected how hard the lads have been working leading up to this game,” he said. “We played simple football, moving the ball on the floor and creating lots of spaces, which made it difficult for the other team to settle.

“The defence was very strong and the attack was quick and clinical. I’m proud of how well these boys are developing – they are completely focused on where they want to be and approach their football in a very professional manner.”