Kenya: Cricket Stars Still Waiting to Be Called Up for UAE Tie

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

14 July 2011

With less than 12 days left before the ICC Intercontinental Cup match against the United Arab Emirates, the Kenya team is still to assemble and the players are worried.Kenya host the Gulf team on July 23 in one four-day match and two one-day matches at the Nairobi Gymkhana.

A spot check at the club’s training venue at Ruaraka Sports Club found only two players training under acting coach Lameck Onyango. This is in stark contrast to the past where the team used to train for over two months preparing for such a match. Those in training yesterday were Rakep Patel and Hiren Varaiya.

At the ground were former national team captain Maurice Ouma, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Shem Obado and James Ngoche, but the four trained on their own.

When contacted some of the absent players said Cricket Kenya were still to contact them because they were still to be given contracts. “I am waiting for CK to call me if they need my services. I have let the door open it’s for them to let me know when they want me. As it is at the moment I am training with my club,” said Collins Obuya.

Obuya was among the few senior players that CK opted to give a contract to after the conclusion of their previous contracts in May. He said he was ready to sign a new contracts even though he still has unresolved issues with CK.”I have no problem with it, I am ready to meet them and discuss it to see the best way forward,” he said.

Odhiambo also said he has been training and is also waiting for word from CK. “I can’t just wake up one morning and decide I am coming to join the team without their consent. They need to show that they are interested in me. However I am training hard with my mates and we hope to be in good condition when they eventually decide to engage us in national team activities,” he said.

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