Kenya's long serving captain, Steve Tikolo was yesterday talking up Kenya's chances against Zimbabwe before the team boarded their flight for Harare. With Kenya likely to face several of the players selected in Zimbabwe 'A's loss to Kenya last November, and more of their experienced players missing, Tikolo was upbeat about putting on a good show:
"If we are going to play the same team we met last year, then Zimbabwe should brace themselves for a tough competition,"
He said. Tikolo is also impressed with Coach Roger Harper, and what he has achieved since joining the team. Zimbabwe will be the first real test of Harper as coach for Kenya. On the make up of Kenya's team, Tikolo noted that it was a great chance for the newer players to show their worth:
"This time, the selection was done when some regular players have injuries which gives the youngsters an opportunity to prove themselves,"
Confidence is great ahead of a series, and Steve Tikolo is an experienced enough player and captain to know how much to instil in his players. Too much could be costly however, as Kenya have found out before (Champions Trophy 2004). Tikolo, and the other mainstays, will also need to act as shepherd for the younger players to get them accustomed to the rigours of touring. We lost out in the finals of the Intercontinental Cup last year partly due to player fatigue, and that is something we must guard against in the coming month. This is one of the factors that has been stressed by Roger Harper, who has warned his players against alcohol on the tour, noting that it dehydrates and contributes to physical stress. It is positive to see the coach's professional approach, and it seems like this is rubbing off on the players as well, a fact that the captain also acknowledges:
"His work ethic is very professional which is good for the boys,"
This next month will be a big transition for Kenyan cricket, and how the team handles it will be crucial for the future of cricket in the country. It is early days yet, but so far, the signs are promising. Now all they have to do is deliver the results on the pitch.
Quotes taken from Richard Mwangi's article in today's Nation.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment