NAIROBI, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Kenya players made one step closer to secure their ticket to the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup in Australia after winning the Africa region qualifiers.
But the coaches want the government to support their struggle to recoup their lost glory and return to the top level of global cricket.
"We need the government to help us attain the goal of playing at the World Cup. The players have shown their hunger for this achievement, now we need a little help in welfare to attain this feat," said assistant coach David Obuya on Saturday.
Speaking on arrival in Nairobi from Kampala, Obuya said despite their financial challenges, they are focused on winning a ticket to the World Cup in Australia.
"What is important is playing together as a team and winning. Every one played his role as we had planned before we left for Kampala. I have respect for the players. The performance of the team in Kampala is a sure way of Kenya regaining her lost glory," said Obuya on Saturday in Nairobi.
Kenya's last game in the ICC Men's T20 Africa Region Final against Namibia was abandonment at Kyambogo Oval. Kenya were scheduled to fight it out with Namibia for the top position on the points table but a heavy downpour that hit Kampala overnight forced officials to abandon the match.
Both Namibia and Kenya tied on the table with eight points apiece, but Namibia had a superior net run rate (4.547) to Kenya's (1.363).
It was Kenya's best performance in the qualifier since 2007 when they made it to the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Kenya and Namibia were both unbeaten and the duo will represent Africa in the global World Cup qualifier set for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from Oct. 11 to Nov. 3.
In Dubai, 14 teams will tussle for the six qualifying spots for the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia that will run from Oct. 6 to Nov.15.
Kenya team will take a week off to regain their strength and return to training on June 3. Australia and nine other top-ranked sides - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies - have already secured direct qualification to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2020.
