19 in provisional squad for Cricket World Cup qualifiers
What you need to know:
In Namibia, Kenya will fight it out with Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the hosts for the sole slot reserved for the continent in next year’s Under-19 World Cup set for South Africa.
Kamande, a former national team captain, took two years searching for youngsters who last year returned Kenya to the international arena after 16 years.
The national under-19 cricket team coach, Jimmy Kamande has picked 16 boys from Nairobi and three from Nakuru for his provisional side in preparation for the ICC Africa Age group World Cup qualifiers set for Windhoek, Namibia, from March 17 to 25.
Kamande will pick more boys from Mombasa.
When asked what he was looking for in the boys, who will represent Kenya in Namibia, Kamande said: “I will need six specialised batsmen, three all-rounders and five bowlers, who will include three seamers and two spinners.”
He added: “My only worry is that we are preparing the team when schools are open. I cannot remove a boy from school. Therefore, arrangements should be made for boys in Nakuru and Mombasa to train at their respective places and come to Nairobi for selection later on.”
Kamande said that funds allowing, he would like to take the selected under-19 team for a tour, preferably in Zimbabwe or South Africa.
He said that during last year’s Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, he learnt from Test playing countries that for youngsters to do well, they should play as many matches as possible as part of their preparation for the World event.
In Namibia, Kenya will fight it out with Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the hosts for the sole slot reserved for the continent in next year’s Under-19 World Cup set for South Africa.
Kamande, a former national team captain, took two years searching for youngsters who last year returned Kenya to the international arena after 16 years.
He is also one of Cricket Kenya’s development coaches.
