SEEKING LOST GLORY:International cricket returns to Nairobi

Kenya's Batsman Dhiren Gondaria (right) makes a defensive shot as Inayat Saeed of Saudi Arabia waits to catch a delivery during quadrangular Cricket Tournament at Jerffreys Academy on Saturday, Sept 24, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

As international cricket returns to Nairobi and Kenya seeks to reclaim its lost glory, national team coach Thomas Odoyo has urged the current players to write their own history. Kenya take on Hong Kong this Friday and Sunday in an International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League match to be played at Nairobi Gymkhana.

Odoyo, undoubtedly one of Kenya’s finest cricketers of all time, has been to five World Cups and was in the team that played the semi-finals match of the 2003 World Cup held in South Africa.

Despite losing to India by 91 runs it was not a mean feat because it put Kenya on the cricket world map. “In our time we played our hearts out and achieved what we could. It is now your turn to make your own history.”

Odoyo was speaking during a joint press conference between hosts Kenya and guests Hong Kong.

He added that the return of international cricket to Kenya will go a long way in developing the sport.

“Growing up, we watched our seniors play and idolised them, drew our inspiration from them and that is how we became world beating players.

International matches have a positive impact on upcoming players and I’m glad our juniors have a chance to learn from the best at the international level,” Odoyo added. His Hong Kong equal Simon Cook commended the ICC for the support to Cricket Kenya. “I am grateful to the ICC for the support they have offered us and Cricket Kenya and also for allowing Kenya to once again host international matches.

Every player desires to play on home soil and I’m glad this has come true for Kenyan players after many years of waiting and playing without home support,” Cook said.

He added that based on Kenya’s rich cricket history they expect stiff competition but draw confidence from their 2-1 win over top on the log Papua New Guinea in One Day International.

Team Kenya captain Rakep Patel said the Kenyan camp was excited about playing at home and will embrace individual efforts as well as teamwork.

“We are excited but not over confident. We want to make the best out of these ties and we call on Kenyans to come and support us as we seek to reclaim our rightful place in cricket,” Rakep said.

Hong Kong skipper Babar Hayat, who led his side to victory against Papua New Guinea expressed his sides desire to qualify for the World Cup.

“Victory in Kenya will increase our chances of achieving our goal of playing at the 2019 World Cup. We have prepared well. All we need is to remain focused and make our efforts worthwhile.”

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