James Kamweti becomes UP Yoddha's first-ever African origin player

The Kenyan raider will ply his trade for the franchise in the upcoming season of the Pro Kabaddi League.

Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) franchise UP Yoddha, signed their first-ever player of African origin, picking up accomplished Kenyan raider James Namaba Kamweti, ahead of PKL season 8. James 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.

James 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 6 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 Kamweti, 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 on board.”

PKL season 8 is set to start on the 22nd December 2021 with U.P.Yoddha kicking off their 4th campaign against Bengal Warriors, in a Wednesday night clash. 

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