Buffalo Park all set for international action

Netherlands and Kenya to go head to head in quest for qualification to the 2019 World Cup

was out of our hands and we have just had to adapt to the situation,” said Netherlands coach Ryan Campbell.

“We are really looking forward to the match. It should be a well contested game and we will be going all out for the win.”

The Netherlands arrived in East London late on Monday following a tour of Zimbabwe and have been adapting to the conditions ahead of the two games, with a second qualifier between the two sides scheduled for Sunday.

“Our preparation for these matches have gone really well,” said Campbell.

“We had a great tour of Zimbabwe where we played against some quality sides and got really good results, so I am pleased with where the team is currently.”

The Netherlands team features a host of experienced players, with a few having competed at the World Cup before, while an ex-Proteas player in Roelof van der Merwe will also be in the line up.

“We have a strong squad here and we recently welcomed back our county players and they will just add to the strength of the team,” said Campbell.

Kenya are currently fourth on the World Cricket League (WCL) Championship qualifying log behind the Netherlands, who are currently occupying the top spot.

These will thus be vitally important matches for Kenya’s qualification hopes.

“We know exactly where we stand and what we need to do,” said Kenyan coach Thomas Odoyo.

“It is a very important weekend of matches for us and we are really fired up for the challenge.”

Kenya arrived in East London last week, so have enjoyed a longer period to adapt, while they have also played in two warm-up games against Border Invitational sides to get themselves ready.

Although it is a blow for them not playing at home, Kenya will be hoping that Buffalo Park could become a fortress for them.

“We are as prepared as we will ever be for these matches,” said Odoyo.

“It will be tough but the guys are up for the fight and want to win, so we will be going all out.

“We enjoyed our warm-up games earlier in the week and hopefully we will see a few of the Border guys who played us cheering us on in the match.”

The match gets under way at Buffalo Park today at 9.30am, and entry to the stadium is free for fans wanting to see a bit of international cricket.

Sunday’s match is scheduled to start at the same time and, should bad weather intervene and a game is not able to be concluded, reserve days have been set aside for Saturday and Monday to try and make sure the matches are completed.