A new era in cricket unveiled

By Oscar Pilipili

The success of a player is not judged by how much he/she has achieved, but by the players he/she has helped to groom.

The adage is befittingly replicated by leading local cricket players — the Obuya brothers — Kennedy, David and Collins. They have taken the game a notch higher by starting an academy to identify talent at the grassroots and nurturing it.

Karura batsman Kennedy Nzioka during the launch of the Obuya Cricket Academy at Jaffrey Academy, Nairobi, on Saturday. Photo: Stafford Ondego

The dream culminated into the launch on Saturday of the Obuya Cricket Academy at Jaffery Academy in Nairobi. And with it came the under-14 tournament to be held annually.

Speaking to FeverPitch during the launch, David emphasised his desire to see the sport flourish.

"My dream is to churn out creditable cricket players whom Kenyans will be proud of in future before we leave the scene," David said.

The tournament got a major boost with corporate firms led by Crown Berger donating kit to the 12 participating teams.

Other companies supporting the teams are: Megh Singh Cushion Makers, Copy Cat Limited, Fairview Hotel and County Lodge and H20.

The teams are: Obuya Academy 11, Parklands Stars, Penda Charges, Majengo, Githurai and Jaffery B that are in Pool A.

Samaj School, Oshwal XI, Gymkhana, Karura, Kwetu Children Home and Jaffery A are in Pool B.

David announced the academy was set to go to the next level when they move to their own premises in Lavington next month.

Kennedy said the current poor form of the national team was normal in sport during transition period.

"The future of Kenya’s cricket looks bright with the increasing number of players joining the sport. People should understand a team is going through a transition of new players, hence there must be a deep in performance," he said.

He said Obuya Academy has extended its tentacles to slums including Majengo and Kibera to tap talent.