An interesting report in Kenya’s Nation newspaper on attempts to take cricket to the Maasai tribe in Mukogodo.
The Maasais, known world over for their native style of dressing up and living among the world animals of East Africa, have already accepted the game with the formation of several teams from within the local schools and community.
Aliya Bauer, who is coaching in the area, told the newspaper that the early signs were good. “It’s very encouraging for me as there are already well over 100 people who turn out for practices at venues around the area. This include children as well as older Morans who are very keen and enthusiastic about the game.’
“The children were first introduced to soft ball cricket before graduating to the hard ball version. They have shown phenomenal amount of potential and natural talent.’’
There remain major obstacles.
Bauer cites several handicaps in her attempt to take the sport to wider circle with lack of proper playing and training facilities, uniforms, shoes and other equipments such as bats and balls. Children and elder morans play the game bare feet while others wear traditional ‘firestone’ sandals made from used car tyres. She is pledging for help from donors who can help cricket grow in other areas of the II Polei and its surrounding villages.
Superb initiative from Aliya Bauer. Well done, I must say. The story got a good play, as it richly deserved, in a local daily. Yet, not a word from Cricket Kenya.
Zoeb Tayebjee
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