Newly-promoted Kenya Kongonis ‘A’ begin their fairy-tale top-flight campaign in the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association (NPCA) Super Division 50-Overs League with great expectations.
Kongonis have signed veterans Shem Ngoche from Stray Lions and Alex Obanda from Nairobi Gymkhana respectively ahead of their opening home fixture against Swamibapa A at Nairobi Club grounds on Sunday.
The Nairobi Club boys could be the dark horse of this year’s 50-Overs although the much-revamped Swamibapa A are clear favourites for the coveted trophy currently held by archrivals Ruaraka.
Swamibapa are expected to feature a much more formidable batting order this season following the arrival of Indian pro-Dhwanil Kumar, Ramchandrabhai Patel and dangerman Sachin Gill from Ruaraka.
“I am happy to join the Swamis, my transfer offers a fresh impetus to my cricket, and I am overly excited about it. My expectations remain the same as for Ruaraka last year, to win the title for Swamibapa,” commented Sachin.
Kongonis’ Thomas Ojijo, on his part, sounded quite febrile ahead of the big clash against Swamis’ players led by skipper and opening batter Rushabh Patel.
Ojijo said: “We are ready for our opponents and we want to prove to everyone that we belong in the top tier league. We are happy to see Obanda and Ngoche who have a wealth of experience in the team. The boys are keen to learn and improve from the seniors. Kelvin Nganga and Allan Kibabi are right at the top considering their performance during off-season training.”
The second week will see the NPCA’s 50-Overs League feature four matches. Kanbis A, will not be on the crease though as they have a bye for the weekend.
T20 champions Stray Lions 'A' have a date with 50-overs champions Ruaraka 'A' at Nairobi Jaffrey’s while Sir Ali 'A' will make their long-awaited comeback as they host SCLPS YL in another Super Division fixture.
Gurdeep Singh aka Sunny is back in Sir Ali’s squad and should be the toast of his side for the weekend. SCLPS YL 'A' are also brimming with confidence following the arrival of two Indian pros Kishan Varsani and Hiren Kerai.
Stray Lions remain the same squad as last year apart from Kavi Dosaja coming in and Irfan Karim and Nhoche leaving the club. Kavi is a former Gymkhana skipper who represented relegated Obuya 'A' in the T20 season.
Subham Jadav, the highest run scorer last season, will lead the batting line for Stray Lions.
