The traditional life of a Maasai warrior in Kenya involves learning how to hunt and herd cattle. One group of Maasai warriors have now learnt a surprising new skill – playing cricket – and they’ve formed a team. Their captain, Sonyanga Weblen Ole Ngais told Matthew Bannister how playing cricket is similar to hunting with spears.
BBC RADIO: 
Listen to the recent interview with Sonyanga Ngais (opens new window)
The players are aiming to be role models in their communities where they are actively campaigning against Female Genital Mutilation, early childhood marriages and are fighting for the rights of women.
- Watch a short interview with the girls who are playing cricket.
Following article by Lee Moran, was published on March 19, 2012 in the Daily Mail.
Ditching traditional whites for their colourful clothing and body decorations, the Kenyan tribesmen are in serious training. These are the Maasai Cricket Warriors – the semi-nomadic cattle herders vowing to brighten up their sport. Donning pads and armed with bats, the men from the Laikipia region this week left their tiny village for the Mombasa Legends Cricket Nursery.
And through their cricket they also try to promote healthier lifestyles and spread awareness about HIV/AIDS among tribal youth, they added.
An online appeal for donations on the Maasai Cricket Warriors website said:
‘By developing cricket and sports amongst Maasai youth and children the aim is to empower the youth in Maasai communities while enhancing their participation in community development, allowing them to become healthy, productive and well-adjusted members of society.‘
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Watch a short interview with the girls who are playing cricket.
Article in Daily Mail: Meet the Maasai Cricket Warriors
Alistair Reign News Blog 