Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) franchise UP Yoddha on Friday announced to sign their first ever player of African origin, picking up accomplished Kenyan raider James Namaba Kamweti, ahead of the season 8.
Kamveti had been adjudged the best raider at the Bangabandhu Cup 2021 international tournament in March earlier this year and is sure to bolster the attack of the Yoddhas.
Kamweti was visibly overjoyed with his new move and shared his thoughts post-signing saying, “It is such a huge step for me to be a part of the U.P. Yoddha team in the PKL. There are a very few such top quality leagues in Kabbadi and to be a part of this great league will surely help me improve further as well as showcase my talent to a newer audience. I look forward to an exciting and entertaining PKL season with U.P.Yoddha.”
Jasveer Singh, the head coach of U.P Yoddha, was extremely welcoming and appreciative of his new ward and said of the inclusion: “We are delighted to have James on our team. We have seen his performance in the Bangabandhu Cup where he contributed to almost 50% of the raids for his team. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for us. He definitely looks like a very exciting prospect.”
James Kamweti made his debut for Kenya in the Bangabandhu Cup, where he played six matches and made a total of 85 raids, which gathered the team 55 raid points.
With James coming on board as the first raider from the African continent for the Yoddhas, Col.Vinod Bisht, CEO of U.P. Yoddha,also commented on the occasion and said, “We are excited to welcome James Kamweti to our team. James incidentally is also our first ever hire from the African region. The Pro Kabaddi League over the years has comfortably established itself as a truly international event and with players like James it only shows how the PKL has played a definitive role in popularising the sport of Kabaddi globally.”
“James’ addition would add a new and thrilling dimension to our team and we are thrilled to have such a dynamic young talent onboard,” he added.
The PKL season 8 is set to start on the December 22, 2021 with U.P. Yoddha kicking off their fourth campaign against Bengal Warriors in a Wednesday night clash.
Earlier on December 1, Mashal Sports, organisers of vivo Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), had revealed the schedule of the first half for season 8, which will begin from December 22 in Bengaluru.
The entire season will be conducted at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre without spectators.
As a special format for PKL Season 8, Mashal has scheduled ‘Triple Headers’ on the first 4 days to ensure that kabaddi fans across the country get to watch each of their favourite teams play in the very initial days of the League.
PKL Season 8 will begin with U Mumba facing Bengaluru Bulls in the tournament opener. The League’s ‘Southern Derby’ will then take centre-stage as Telugu Titans lock horns with Tamil Thalaivas in the second match and UP Yoddha squaring off with the defending champions Bengal Warriors in the last match of the opening day.
Guaranteeing blockbuster matches and edge of the seat action with hero players back on the mat, this season will feature ‘Triple Panga’ driven by Triple Headers on all Saturdays through the course of the tournament ensuring that kabaddi afficionados have their fill of ‘Thigh-Five’ entertainment.