Kenya’s U19 cricket team is set to compete in the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup Qualifiers in Lagos, Nigeria, with high hopes of securing a spot in the global tournament.
Former national team pacer Peter Ongondo has expressed confidence in the team’s potential to clinch the coveted World Cup ticket but stresses that managing pressure will be crucial to their success.
Kenya, who finished as runners-up behind Namibia in the previous qualifiers, will begin their campaign against Sierra Leone.
Their goal is to make amends and secure a place in the 2026 U19 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Ongondo, a former U19 World Cup player in 1998 and a seasoned cricket veteran, believes this year’s squad has both the talent and the hunger to go the distance.
“This is a golden opportunity for these young players to shine. Competing at the U19 World Cup is a life-changing experience, and I hope they seize the moment,” Ongondo said.
He pointed out the team’s overall balance and depth, particularly in batting—a key area that hindered them in the last qualifiers.
“We played some brilliant cricket in Tanzania, but our batting let us down at critical times. This time around, we need two or three players to step up and take charge,” he added.
