New signings Ngoche, Obanda ready to lead Kongonis onslaught against Swamis

Kenya Kongoni batsmen Ben Sidwell and Vernon Slack in training. [Courtesy]

Newly-promoted Kenya Kongonis ‘A’ begin their fairy-tale top-flight campaign in 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 definitely clear favorites for the coveted trophy currently held by archrivals Ruaraka.

Swamibapa are expected to feature a much formidable batting order this season following the arrival of Indian pro DhwanilKumar Ramchandrabhai Patel and dangerman Sachin Gill from Ruaraka.

“I am happy to join the Swamis, my transfer offers a fresh impetus into 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: “We will definitely give every team we play a good competition and prove to everyone we belong in the top tier league. We are happy to see Obanda and Ngoche in the team; with the wealth of experience, they bring along, the boys are keen to learn and improve from the seniors with ‘A sense of youthful exuberance’. Kelvin Nganga and Allan Kibabi are right at the top with the amount of effort they have put in during off season training.”             

The second week will see the NPCA’s 50-Overs League will feature four matches. Eastleigh troops, Kanbis A, will not be on the crease though as they have a bye for the weekend.

T20 Champs Face Ruaraka

But in another notable fixture, T20 Champions Stray Lions A have a date with 50-overs champions Ruaraka A at Nairobi Jaffrey’s.

Sir Ali A will make their long-awaited comeback as they host SCLPS YL A 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 same squad as last year apart 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.

Kavi said: “I'm really excited about playing for Stray Lions. It's great to be part of such a strong team and I'm eager to contribute to our success.”

Ruaraka posted their first win of the season last weekend with a convincing 111-run victory over Nairobi Gymkhana at their Ruaraka backyard.

NPCA Division One has five matches on the cards. Ruaraka B will play Stray Lions B at Ruaraka, whilst Kanbis B plays Obuya A at Eastleigh grounds.

Swamibapa B will face Wolves CC A at Jamhuri while GI Unicorns A square off with Sikh Union B at GI as SCLPS YL B host Ngara SC A at SCLPS.

Division Two has five matches scheduled for Sunday. Wolves B play Swamibapa Development at Viraj while An-nadil Jamaly will face Stray Leopards B at Saifee.

NPCA 50-OVERS LEAGUE FIXTURES-SUN/30/06/2024 NPCA

SUPER DIVISION

Stray Lions A vs Ruaraka A (Nbi Jaffreys)

Kongonis A vs Swamibapa A (Nbi Club)

Sir Ali A SCLPS vs YL A (Sir Ali)

Sikh Union A vs Nbi Gymkhana A (Sikh Union)

Bye Kanbis A

NPCA DIVISION ONE

Ruaraka B vs Stray Lions B (Ruaraka)

Kanbis B vs Obuya A (Eastleigh)

Swamibapa B vs Wolves CC A (Jamhuri)

GI Unicorns A vs Sikh Union B (GI)

SCLPS YL B vs Ngara SC A (SCLPS)

DIVISION TWO

5 Wolves B vs Swamibapa Development (Viraj)

An-nadil vs Jamaly Stray Leopards B (Saifee)

Obuya B vs Kongonis B (Lenana)

Legends CC vs GI Unicorns B (Impala)