Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
Dun Okinyo
21 July 2011
Collins Obuya has been made Kenya’s fourth cricket captain in four years, replacing Jimmy Kamande who was fired after this year’s World Cup after five months. Obuya’s appointment was announced by Cricket Kenya boss Tom Sears and has come a day after the announcement that New Zealander Mike Hesson is the new coach.
CK Chief Executive Tom Sears said Obuya, had proven to be an excellent player who can lead the team. “He demonstrated at the World Cup what can be achieved by Kenyan players on the international stage and as one of our senior contracted players and now captain he has a big role to play in taking the national team forward,” Sears said. ‘ Obuya , 29, will first lead Kenya during next week’s ICC Intercontinetal Cup tie with the United Arab Emirates at Nairobi Gymkhana.
Collins is a model professional and his hard work and dedication are an example to the other players. He is now an extremely experienced and accomplished player who can set the standards on and off the field for others to aspire to,” Sears added. Obuya is the only Kenya cricketer to have played English County cricket and is the only remaining player in the team which took part in the 2003 Cricket World Cup where Kenya reached the semi final after other players either retired or were shown the door.
During the 2003 World Cup he was man of the match during the historic home win over Sri Lanka when he opicked five wickets. It was during this time that he headlines for his legspin bowling with which he picked up 13 wickets during Kenya’s run to the semi-final. After struggling with his bowling thereafter, he has turned himself into a top-order batsman.
In this year’s World Cup, the all rounder was the star for Kenya at the event where Kenya lost all their six group-stage matches. He scored a half-century against Sri Lanka and a 98 not out against Australia, and was Kenya’s leading run-getter in the tournament. Obuya said he was looking forward to the opportunity to lead the team. “It is a great honour to be appointed captain of Kenya, but at the same time, a great surprise as I wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “I have always respected those who have come before me in this role and I am humbled to think that my name will be mentioned alongside theirs. I will do everything I can to ensure performances and results improve. “
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