NAIROBI, Kenya, March 12 – Preparations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup qualifiers gather pace as the national team departs on Saturday for a two week camp in South Africa.All rounder Tony Suji is the notable absentee from the 15 strong side that will train at a high performance centre in Pretoria.
The team will play three warm up matches before moving to the tournament venue from March 27.
Andy Kirsten’s side has been grouped with Netherlands, Bermuda, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Denmark and Afghanistan.
Other participating countries include Scotland, Canada, Oman, Ireland and Uganda.
First up for Kenya will be the Dutch on April 1 at Potchefstroom then UAE the following day at Vaal University.
Kenya will then face Afghanistan on April 4 at Potchefstroom University followed by Bermuda the next day.
Steve Tikolo and company will then round off their group assignments against Denmark on April 7 at Witrand.
Meanwhile, Cricket Kenya’s (CK) overdue national elections will be held on Sunday morning at Ruaraka Sports Club.
Incumbent chairman Samir Inamdar is set to retain his seat which he has occupied since 2005 as he is the only nominee.
The elections were put off for the past one and a half years due to disagreements the influential Nairobi Province Cricket Association (NPCA) and CK over a new constitution.
Shamji Patel, Nasoor Verjee and Nilesh Lakhani are all vying unopposed for vice chairman, treasurer and women’s representative respectively.
Squad:
Steve Tikolo(captain), Thomas Odoyo, Kennedy Obuya, Peter Ongondo, Morris Ouma, Alex Obanda, Collins Obuya, Hiren Varaiya, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Lameck Onyango, Elijah Asoyo, Jimmy Kamande, Rajesh Bhudiya, Rakep Patel, Seren Waters
Technical Bench:
Danield Macdonald Oduor (Team Manager), Andy Kirsten (Coach), Martin Suji (Asst. Coach), Sreenivas Thota (Match Analyst), Wycliffe Ogolla (Physiotherapist), Peter Kirsten (Batting Consultant)