Slum-dwelling cricketer Dedan Omondi appeals for funds to further education

© Dedan Omondi

CRICKET Slum-dwelling cricketer Dedan Omondi appeals for funds to further education

Festus Chuma 21:20 - 18.04.2023

The promising opening bowler currently lives in a shanty deep in Huruma Slums, where he does manual jobs.

Dedan Omondi, an intelligent cricketer is in need of financial support in order to pursue his dream of furthering his education at the university.

Omondi, who was part of the Kenya national team that participated in the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Division Two qualifiers in October last year, has dreams of pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Management at any local university.

However, the son of a casual labourer due to financial constraints still wanders about at Huruma Slums, not knowing where his help will come from.

“I want to be a marketing manager one day, but as things stand, I will be happy if a benevolent individual or organization will hear my story and come to my aid," said the Cricketer. 

Omondi started playing cricket in 2021 after being spotted by renowned cricket coach Josphat Irungu.

The 17-year-old plays for Stray Lions Cricket Club and has been using the allowances to support his mother and siblings.

“Omondi is a humble guy, very disciplined, and usually listens to whatever you tell him. He has what it takes, and he has the height because, for now, Kenya, we are still trying to get an opening bowler.

We want to focus on him and see if he can become the best bowler Kenya has ever had,” said Kenya U-19 national team head coach Irungu.

Omondi comes from a family of five, and they currently live in the shanty Huruma slums in Nairobi.

For his side hustle, the youngster is doing manual jobs in Huruma Slums in the afternoon after training at Ruaraka Sports Club.

Omondi is one of the players expected to be called in the Under-19 men’s cricket team that will participate in the World Cup Qualifiers (Division One) in June next year.

In the qualifiers, Kenya will meet Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia.

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