In Summary
- Tyrone Kariuki, the prodigious talent who shone during the U18 CECAFA tournament was destined for Spain but the plan hit a snag.
- National Super League side, Rainbow FC were willing to release Kariuki to join Nastic Sports Academy on condition that the academy grants them a 10% – 20% ownership of the player.
Despite finishing runners-up in the 2023 CECAFA U18 tournament, the Kenyan side was a delight to watch and won the hearts of many fans. The team was made up of enthusiastic young talents with the desire to not only leave an impact but to also build their budding careers.
One of the players who mesmerized the crowds with his skills was Tyron Kariuki. With his courageous take-ons, Kariuki stood as a bedrock of the team as he tormented opponents’ defenders.
The Rainbow FC attacker scored a delightful goal against Sudan in a 5 – 0 victory. He received the ball on the left side, then he cut inside and hit the ball with his right foot to the near post.
Kariuki’s sparkle would then attract scouts from Nastic Sports Academy (Spain) where the Kenyan trio of Amos Wanjala, Aldrine Kibet and Alvin Kasavuli are currently based.
Nastic make their intentions known
According to Stanley Okumbi, the CEO of Rainbow FC, representatives of Nastic met him at Kasarani for a potential deal. Okumbi, a former Harambee Stars coach says Rainbow was willing to let Kariuki join Nastic Sports on condition that they allow Rainbow to still have a 10% – 20% ownership of the player.
This means Rainbow would financially benefit if Kariuki was to sign for another club in future. With this condition, Nastic demanded that Rainbow FC caters for Kariuki’s school fees, a sum of at least €6000 (Ksh 1,034,844).
“We proposed that they let us own the player for 10 or 20 per cent but they said for them to do that, then we have to pay the whole school fees of €6,000 (Ksh1,034,844),” Okumbi told Pulse Sports.
Deal hits a snag
According to Okumbi, Rainbow FC are currently having financial difficulties and they couldn’t afford the school fees amount.
“They do not know that a player still in school and the one in a club are different,” says Okumbi.
Additionally, Rainbow FC claims the Spanish academy had tried to sideline them by directly reaching out to Kariuki’s parent and former coach.
But a release letter dated 19th December, 2023 from Nastic Sports Academy was addressed to various parties including Rainbow FC and its CEO. Others whom the academy wanted to append their signatures to allow Tyrone Kariuki depart to Spain are Grace Ndungu (mother) and two witnesses.
