Dream start for international cricketer
Tue 23 October 2007
Jacob Grams, Bachelor of Journalism
Former Kenyan international cricketer Kennedy Obuya has continued the good form he showed towards the end of last season, scoring a century in Caboolture Snakes’ first match of the 2007/08 season against Nambour.
Obuya, 35, and now in his second year playing grade cricket in Australia, delighted all in attendance with the milestone, which he brought up in style with a fantastic six.
His innings ended a few balls later, and on making his way back to the pavilion was greeted with handshakes from opposition players and team mates alike.
Obuya’s 100, as well as Andrew Schablon’s 109, helped Caboolture first grade romp to a massive score of 407 in the first innings.
Nambour was bowled out for 283 on day two, with Schablon taking 5/52 and Obuya taking 3 catches as wicketkeeper.
Caboolture, having already secured first innings points, went back in to bat, compiling 2/111 by stumps.
Obuya said he felt “definitely very good” on reaching his century. “It’s always a milestone – always a good achievement,” he said.
Obuya made a slow start in the morning session, but was seeing the ball well before lunch.
“Normally I try to build my innings and concentrate on the small things. I tell myself to watch the ball – if I do that I find everything works well.”
It was a very composed innings which should be a good starting point for his season.
As well as opening the batting for the Snakes, Obuya has recently completed a level two coaching course, and plays a role in coaching their juniors and seniors.
“It’s a new experience for me. It’s a huge step and I’m learning a lot,” he said. Obuya also said he tries to implement into his own game what he’s learned from coaching.
“I’ve always wanted to do it. My career is coming to an end and I wanted to take up coaching to give something back to the game,” he said.
Caboolture’s senior cricket co-ordinator Wayne Baker said Obuya was “growing into” his new role as coach. “It’s a different culture in Australia obviously, and he has the advantage of being at the club last year as a player,” he said.
Obuya said one of his goals was to build a cricket academy in Kenya, and to promote cricket in other areas of Africa, especially East Africa where cricket is not as popular.
Obuya takes his coaching very seriously and always expects the best from his players both on the field and in training. Other than that he is recognised around the club through his friendly, easy going nature, as well as his enthusiasm and obvious love of cricket.
The Snakes will also be welcoming Kennedy’s brother, Collins, who will be playing a few matches for the club. “Collins should be coming over in a few weeks. It will be a good experience for him,” Obuya said.
Image(s) designed by Bill Fuller