Cricket Kenya targets schools for growth of the game

Former national team deputy captain Thomas Odoyo (right) presents a trophy to a player at Rift Valley Sports Club (RVSC) on Sunday. [Ben Ahenda, Standard]

With the stalling of some leagues in counties, Cricket Kenya has initiated a move to kick-start the Inter-Schools Competitions to keep talents active at the grassroots.

And when they do this, it will also reorganize their strategies to improve standards at the national level.

The tournament will involve institutions who appreciate the game in the CK branches in the country.

Cricket Kenya Development Director Thomas Odoyo said by having these tournaments at the grassroots will allow continuity and growth of the sport from the grassroots to the national level.

"As result, we should see the comeback of Under 15 and 17 matches for the national teams to have a constant supply of players," he said.

He said the game's growth depends on the support from schools and leagues in the branches who have coaches paid by the federation to accomplish this agenda.

"The growth and continuity of the game depends on the support we get from grassroots' coaches paid by the federation to scout and mold these young talents. Our aim is to feature at the World Cup as was years back," said Odoyo.

Speaking after the Rift Valley Six-A-side Championships, which was hosted for the first time in seven years at the Rift Valley Sports Club in Nakuru city last weekend, he said such a tournament has raised some of the internationals in Kenya today.

"We were its major participants in our formative years alongside some retired top players within our borders and therefore its organizers should maintain it as a source of talents in this region and beyond," said Odoyo who played for Nairobi Gymkhana in his hey days.