Kariobangi Sharks Youth captain Yusuf Hassan has officially been promoted to the senior team ahead of the new campaign, becoming the latest product of the club’s youth system to make the step up.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe midfielder is the 13th player in Sharks’ history to graduate from the junior side to the senior team, continuing the club’s tradition of developing young talent through its academy setup.Yusuf joins a list of players who have made the same journey, including Fezal Ouma, Jahson Wakachala, Humphrey Aroko, Evans ‘Chicha’ Malo, Sigmund Maina, Ghai Panchol, and Andreas Odhiambo.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962058##Having already spent some time training with the senior side, Yusuf says the experience has taught him two important virtues that he believes will be crucial to his development.“My transition has been okay. It has helped me mentally and given me a strong and positive mentality.Also, I have learned patience and resilience. I want to develop more into a professional footballer through the senior team coaches and football," the midfielder told the club’s media team.The youngster also credits his time with the youth team for preparing him for the demands of senior football, although he admits there is a significant difference in intensity between the two levels.11 foreign-based players axed from Harambee Stars' final squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiersWith the youth side, Yusuf captained Sharks in the FKF Division Two and is now set to test himself at a higher level, either in the FKF Premier League or the National Super League (NSL), depending on the outcome of the ongoing football cases in court.“What I have learned from the youth team is patience. The difference between senior team and youth team football is the intensity. If you look at the intensity of the youth team and senior team, they are two different things,” he added.The bulky midfielder is now hoping to make the most of the opportunities that come his way after experiencing the demands of both setups.Kakamega Homeboyz launch new kits ahead of 2026-2027 FKF Premier League season [PHOTOS]Yusuf is also confident that the structures in place at Sharks will help him continue his development, pointing to the similarities in the club’s approach at youth and senior levels.“I trust the leadership at the senior team because if you look at the youth team and senior team, all of us are following the same structure. In my first season in the senior team, I want to earn minutes and play football,” he concluded.The youngster has also identified Fezal Ouma, another Sharks academy graduate, as one of the players he looks up to as he begins his senior career.FKF, clubs reach agreement on league commencement date