Following in his uncle's footsteps

Veteran cricketer Dwayne ‘Sluggo’ Leverock believes promising nephew Kamau has the potential to carry the family name to even greater heights.

The 15 year-old PHC cricketer is the latest athlete possessing enormous talent to emerge from the Leverock clan behind the likes of great grandfather Russell, great uncle Roger and, arguably the most famous of the lot, uncle Dwayne.

Kamau, who is the son of Sluggo’s twin sister Duan, has been thrust in the limelight since being drafted into the senior national team as a late replacement for Bailey’s Bay opening bat Terryn Fray.

ICC World Cup veteran Leverock reckons the best is yet to come from his promising nephew, who has already proven he can hold his own playing at the domestic senior level for Belco Cup champions PHC.

He said: “He has potential… but still has a lot to learn because he is still young. He is only 15-years–old, and so he’s just learning the game as it comes.”

Kamau was recently named in David Moore’s 15-man senior national squad that will take on United Arab Emirates (UAE) in five 50 over matches on a tour of Dubai to commence later this month.

Uncle Dwayne, hopes his nephew will make the most of the opportunity to prove himself at the senior international level.

He said: “All he has to do is take things one day at a time and listen to the coaches and believe in his ability. This is something he has been looking forward to and has been training and learning from the processes that the coach has put out there.”

Kamau said he plans to grasp his opportunity in Dubai with both hands, stressing that he’s looking forward to the experience of measuring up against quality opposition.

The younger Leverock is expected to play an integral part of Bermuda’s bid to qualify for the next Under 19 World Cup in Florida in February. And his famous uncle Dwayne, believes the tour of Dubai will put the teenaged cricketer in good stead for the upcoming Under-19 commitment.

He added: “This is a good stepping stone for him to prepare himself for the Under-19 tournament  (World Cup qualifiers).”

Veteran left-arm spinner Leverock was left out of the tour of Dubai, but remains very much a part of coach Moore’s plans for April’s ICC World Cricket League Division Two Tournament to be held in the same country.

Fruition

Moore said: “Although Dwayne Leverock has not been included in the squad there is a clear plan that has been devised through discussions with Dwayne and the coaching staff that I hope will come to fruition so that he is ready for future commitments of the team.

“I must say that Dwayne is working extremely hard to achieve the plans that have been set, and I appreciate his hard work and commitment.”

The charismatic Leverock, who announced his retirement from international cricket last year, said he’s happy to be back with the senior national programme.

He added: “I’m back with the national programme trying to help the team get back to where it was before. I am willing to come back and help out wherever I can.”