BY ADEYEMI ROBINSON-ADEFIOYE LAGOS
The 10th edition of the South East Cricket championship tagged ‘Chuma Anosike Cup’ will feature six male and female teams as the landmark edition promises to be colourful and exciting for participants, officials and spectators.
Briefing sports journalists at a press conference heralding the forthcoming event, promoter of the competition and Former Vice President, Nigeria Cricket Federation, BARRISTER CHUMA ANOSIKE said this year’s tournament will hold in Awka, the Anambra state capital from March 11th to 15th.
The developmental competition which has become a permanent event on the cricket calendar for the region, ANOSIKE who is also the Chairman of Anambra Cricket Association explained that the tournament has achieved so much despite the challenges faced in the course of growing the game in the zone through the competition.
“It is something that gave us immense that the tournament which started 10 years ago has been sustained and its actually improving. When we started in 2011, only three states; Imo, Enugu and Anambra took part and there were no female participation.
“It was at the third edition that Abia and Ebonyi joined. To the glory of God we’ve been able to move the tournament round the states and that one of the fundamental objectives, to ensure that all the states host the event. We’ve actually done all the state and we are doing the third round now.
“A number of the objectives we set out to achieve has been attained, the game has continue to grow but not as popular as football but it’s definitely increasing in popularity and we have some of the benefits as some products of the tournament has gone on to play for various age groups in the Nigerian teams and one or two has actually been invited to the Nigerian squad.
It’s been a fairly successful story so far” ANOSIKE said.
While commending sponsors, officials and participants for making the tournament a toast of the South East and pride of Nigerian cricket, ANOSIKE stated that there is still a lot to do in developing the game in the region while hoping that the stakeholders will work together to achieve more.
“In term of our supporters and partners, I want to thank El-Alan group of companies. They’ve been consistent with their support over the years. Nairda Limited are also assisting us significantly and I want to commend them because cricket as we all know is not the most popular sports in Nigeria and it will easier to associate with football, basketball and athletics; those are the glamour sports.
For those who stood by us, I want to thank them specifically and hope that we can continue to count on their support in the years ahead” He said.
Two of the players from historic National Under 19 team that represented Nigeria at the International Cricket Council World Cup in South Africa are products of the Chuma Anosike Cup, the former player stated that the success of the ‘Junior Yellow Green’ will serve as a catalyst for the development of the game.
He said “The average age of participants at the tournament are post secondary school and I think they should be talking part in the Under 19s. The country’s participation at the last ICC Junior Under 19 World Cup has caused great deal of excitement in cricket circles.
“I think it’s good for the game and it can actually get better. With the achievements, young and upcoming cricketers have something to aspire to. Some of us in our time didn’t achieve such feat and history.
“It is the first time a Nigerian cricket team has taken part in any World Cup and for those players who made that history, it’s something they will tell their grandchildren about. This is the kind of things that should happen more and all of us will be encouraged to get involved more”.
While commending the present board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation for their efforts in taking the sport to the next level, ANOSIKE said inadequate infrastructures and insufficient equipment are some of hindrance of the field and batting game while calling for more age grade tournaments that will talent discovery.
In line with the tradition of the Chuma Anosike Cup, prizes will be awarded for outstanding performances in various categories and cash gifts will be presented to the best teams in both male and female categories.
