No rift between coaches as Cricket Kenya eyes World Cup qualification - Bukusi

Speaking at the federation’s headquarters in Ruaraka, Nairobi, Bukusi explained that the technical team operates harmoniously, with both former internationals complementing each other’s strengths.

“We have two coaches. It just depends on what they are doing on that particular day,” Bukusi said.

“Lameck is a very quiet person, while Angara is more outspoken and talkative, so sometimes you might think he’s the head coach because he’s running the show. But they are co-coaches, and the system works well for us.”

Angara currently serves as head coach, with Onyango as his assistant. The pair stepped into their roles on an interim basis in September 2024 after the board nullified the appointment of former Indian international Dodda Ganesh due to procedural irregularities.

With the qualifiers for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup looming, Bukusi emphasized that the national side remains focused on the task ahead. The global showpiece will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

“Right now, our focus is to try and get to Zimbabwe and get to the World Cup,” Bukusi stated. “We have a great technical team chaired by Mr. Tariq[Board Member], and together we are addressing the issues affecting the team.”

He, however, cautioned that success requires more than talent on the pitch, stressing the importance of accountability and compliance across all structures.

“We have to be compliant with respect to finance and anti-doping. It’s not something we wake up and achieve overnight—it’s a process,” he noted.

Kenya will enhance their qualification campaign against Namibia on September 26 at Harare Sports Club, before facing Malawi on September 28 at Takashinga Cricket Club. Their final group-stage match will be against Nigeria on September 30.

Kenya will be hoping to replicate their historic 2003 run when they reached the semi-finals, the best-ever performance by a non-Test-playing nation.