National cricket team captain Shem Ngoche believes the new regime is burning the midnight oil to ensure a return to international competitions.
Ngoche said there is light at the end of the tunnel despite the financial constraints they are currently facing.
“At the moment, I feel like the federation is trying to do the best for us. When the accounts are opened and ICC starts sending some funds, things will be smoother. Nothing much can be done right now but I am optimistic things will change for the better,” Ngoche said.
The skipper observed they are happy with what is happening at the moment, especially after the federation and the national government ensured their participation in recent assignments.
The national team is currently in South Africa for the Africa Twenty 20 Cup Final, where Ngoche expects the team to deliver.
"We just want to win the tournament by winning all our games," he said.
Ngoche added that there has been development in the current team where youngsters are being given opportunities to showcase their talent.
He recalled how he got into the team as a youngster and was expected to step up and deliver. At that time, he said, five senior players were forced into retirement to create some room for the upstarts.
“We are giving youngsters a chance to learn and play. We need to create these opportunities to ensure continuity,” he said.
Ngoche said the government, through Sports Cabinet Secretary, Amina Mohamed, has been of great help in facilitating a return to normalcy at Cricket Kenya.
“I want to give credit to the CS for making sure elections are done and ensure we have representatives. The government has facilitated us with all the equipment we need and I am so grateful,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ngoche said there is a need to lay down structures and follow them to the letter if they are to have a team to challenge the world's best in the near future.
“We have not had a national team to rely on in the last 10 years. We also need to step up our game in following ups on the structures we have put in place,” said Ngoche, adding that they are set for a marathon of tournaments until November.
“We have a lot coming our way, which is good for our team. We shall be rotating the squad while giving more opportunities to the young players.”
Ngoche remains bullish that Team Kenya will be back in the ODI Series in the next three years.
He also has high hopes for the women's game and expects to see things roll once the federation accounts are opened.
