African Associate Member players gain invaluable exposure at DP World ILT20 Season 4

Dubai, 17 December, 2025: The DP World ILT20, under the aegis of the Emirates Cricket Board, has continued to deliver meaningful progress through its Player Development Initiative. Seven emerging cricketers from African ICC Associate Members are gaining hands-on experience within franchises during Season 4.

Players from Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda have been fully embedded in franchise setups. They are participating in high-intensity training sessions, bowling-specific skill programmes, fitness benchmarks, and match-day preparations alongside international stars and experienced coaching staff.

Kenya all-rounder Francis Mutua, who is part of the Desert Vipers setup, described the experience as career-defining, “It’s been an excellent and wholesome experience. Training with top players has helped build my confidence and opened doors for my future. I’m grateful to the DP World ILT20 for this opportunity.”

Tanzania’s Mohammed Yunusu Issa, training with MI Emirates, highlighted the step-up in standards, “The level here is very high compared to back home. I’m learning things I’ve never seen before, and this experience will help me grow and go further. I hope more young African players get opportunities like this.”

Rwanda fast bowler Martin Akayezu, part of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders squad, said learning from elite players has been invaluable, “It’s been a very good experience meeting and training with players I admire. I’ve picked up small details that will help me as I move forward.”

Uganda’s Juma Miyagi, who has joined the Gulf Giants, called the exposure a major learning curve, “Sharing the dressing room with international players has been exciting. Training with high-quality cricketers has really helped my thinking and how I approach my game.”

For Sierra Leone all-rounder Samuel Conteh, currently with Sharjah Warriorz, the initiative carries national significance, “This is a historic moment for me and my country. Training with world-class players has taught me about preparation, mental toughness, and what it takes to perform at the top level.”

Botswana’s Katlo Piet, also part of the Sharjah Warriorz setup, underlined the value of direct mentorship, “Being around players I’ve only seen on television has been incredible. I’ve been asking questions, learning every day, and gaining skills I’ll take back home.”

Nigeria fast bowler Peter Aho, who is training with Dubai Capitals, added, “This has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned a lot from players I look up to, especially during net sessions, and I see this as a big opportunity to grow.”

The DP World ILT20 Player Development Initiative remains central to the league’s commitment to Associate Members, focusing on sustained exposure, professional habits, and long-term knowledge transfer. The insights gained during Season 4 are expected to benefit national teams and inspire the next generation of African cricketers.

The seven players will remain with their franchises for the remainder of DP World ILT20 Season 4. The six-team, 34-match tournament is currently underway across the UAE, with the final scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

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