The national deaf cricket team skipper Ben Wangai is set to realize his dream of representing Kenya in a World Cup tournament in January 2023.
The 52-year-old, who has played cricket since childhood, will don the Kenyan colours for the first time at the global showpiece.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Wangai stated that their aim is to make Kenyans proud when they land in India.
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“The journey has not been easy in terms of our cricket career. Being a differently-abled athlete means you will always face challenges in training and in the game itself.
"For us, it would be the height of our careers to go to India and come back victorious. That is what we are dreaming of, to do our country proud,” he was quoted by Capital Sport.
The 30-member team is currently sharpening their skills in Nairobi ahead of the high-profile championship.
Wangai, who is the oldest player in the squad, added that he is using his experience to mould younger talents and guide them not to fall into the temptations of life.
“The coach has been there to guide us and show us where we can improve.
“As one of the most experienced players on the team, I have been keen to use this experience to mentor the younger players by showing them the right path to follow if they are to go far in their careers,” he stated.
He ended by requesting the ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs and Arts under Ababu Namwamba to support them in growing the game.
This will be the first time that a T20 World championship for deaf cricketers is being held.
The event is scheduled to kick off from Tuesday, January 10, to Friday, January 20, in Kerala, India.
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