The little cricket player

By Rebecca Gichana

Unlike football, tennis and other sports, cricket has remained unpopular among many children in Kenya.

Many people still associate it with the rich but not Meshack Onyango.

The standard six pupil loves cricket.

“I spend most of my free time playing cricket in the academy and this has made me to be more disciplined. I can now concentrate better both in education and sports,” says Onyango.

Onyango is among the 22 cricket players who joined Great Hope cricket Academy in Kayole since it was started two years ago.

The 12-year-old believes that cricket will take him places.

“I usually watch cricket matches on television to learn more from the professional players both in Kenya and internationally. My dream is to play professional cricket for the national team in future,” says Onyango.

He adds; “I want to stick to cricket because our coaches tell us that one can make a good career just like the athletes and footballers. When I join high school, I hope to play in bigger tournaments.”

Onyango and his teammates train on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. They also play during weekends when invited for a tournament.