By Oscar Pilipili
National cricket team bowler Nehemiah Mandela Odhiambo has joined the professional ranks in England.
The 29-year-old Odhiambo, who was named after the pre-eminent African leader Nelson Mandela, has settled for English side Chesham Cricket Club. His terms of contract with the club are yet to be made public. Odhiambo, who is already at Chesham, is one of the two overseas players the club has recruited for the season.
Chesham announced on its website that they have engaged the services of Odhiambo and Australian Brenton Campbell to help the club win its first league title.
“A buzz of excitement is in the air at Chesham as we prepare for the new season. Kenyan international (Odhiambo) has joined us and we feel privileged to have him in our side,” said a statement from the English side.
Odhiambo expressed joy over the signing saying he will work hard to help improve the performance of the club and level of his game.
“My going to England is not an individual success but for the whole of Kenya’s cricket family,” Odhiambo told FeverPitch on Thursday.
“The experience I gain at Chesham will not only help me as a player but also the national team where I’m a member,” he said.
Odhiambo, a right-hand medium-pace bowler, is the second Kenyan to play for Chesham after Peter Ongondo, who signed for the side in 2011.
Players’ statistics available indicate that Odhiambo has played over 100 international matches for Kenya in the One Day International, Twenty20 and First Class formats.
National team captain Collins Obuya congratulated Odhiambo and encouraged him to use well the opportunity to improve his game.
“Odhiambo going to England is very good news for Kenyan cricket,” said Obuya.
I encourage him to go out there and share the experience he gains with other players especially the upcoming stars.”
Odhiambo has represented Kenya Under-19s and Kenya ‘A’ teams before cracking into the senior side during the Tri-series matches against Uganda and Scotland.
His uncle, all-rounder Thomas Odoyo, is one of the finest cricketers to have represented Kenya in major events including ICC World Cup. Odhiambo had the honour of opening the bowling with him for the first time during the World Cricket League Division One tournament in Netherlands in July 2010.
