The Canadian High Commissions decision not to grant visas to the Sierra Leone Under 19 squad has been well documented. Of course it was disappointing. For the Sierra Leone cricketing fraternity, for the players and for fans of non-test cricket everywhere.

But Sierra Leone's senior side are still in the running for a place in the 2010 World Cricket League Division 8 tournament and this is a great opportunity for Sierra Leone cricket to impress so soon after the disappointment. The main aim after all, is getting the senior side into a World Cup or at least in contention for one.

Five of the Under 19 squad have been selected in the senior squad. Abubakarr Kamara, at just 18 years of age, has been named captain. Followers of the sport in West Africa regard this young player very highly. Some have tipped him to be the first genuine star of Sierra Leonean cricket. He has already showed glimpses of brilliance at international level with a half century and a best bowling haul of 4-14.

16 year old Ibrahim Kabia is a lively fast bowler with hint of Fidel Edwards about him and another to have graduated from the Under 19's.

Ibrahim Kamara, Bami Williams and Edward Marah are the other members of the Under 19 squad on show . It will be exciting to see what kind of impact they can have against older, seasoned opponents.

There are a number of players in their early 20's that are also very promising.

Emmanuel Kamara (23) is a stylish, technically correct batsman with an international average of 40.22 and a highest score of 63.

Another 23 year old, Lansana Lamin, is thought to be the fastest bowler in West Africa. He is also an attacking middle or late order batsman.

Luseni Senesie (24) is the steadying influence within the batting line-up. Very good at finding gaps, rotating the strike and pushing the score along without taking risks. He is also a top class slips fielder.

Indeed Sierra Leone is gaining a reputation for being able to produce very good young players from a relatively small pool. According to the ICC, they had just 540 people involved in cricket in 2008 although that figure is expected to increase when the next research survey is undertaken.

The experience will be provided by 27 year old Gabriel Anthony, who has taken 18 international wickets at 18.55 and Mustapha Kallon (16 at 18.18).

In a country that is recovering from war, struggling with poverty, where grounds are scarce and equipment is hard to come by, it is a remarkable achievement to have made this much progress in such a short space of time.

Team fixtures (Blantyre, Malawi)

3 Oct v Morocco
4 Oct v Gambia
5 Oct v Lesotho
6 Oct v Malawi
7 Oct v Rwanda

Sierra Leone squad and international averages (Does not include North West Africa Championships games)

Abubakarr Kamara 18
Runs 158 HS 61 Ave 22.57
Wickets 8 BB 4-14 Ave 13.37


Mohamed Mansaray 23
Runs 56 HS 22 Ave 11.20


Gabriel Anthony 27
Runs 149 HS 25* Ave 18.62
Wickets 18 BB 5-20 Ave 18.55


Bami Williams 16
Debut


Lansana Lamin 23
Runs 238 HS 91 Ave 23.80
Wickets 22 BB 4-19 Ave 15.81


Ibrahim Kamara 16
Debut


Emmanuel Kamara 23
Runs 362 HS 63 Ave 40.22


Luseni Senesie 24
Runs 31 HS 15* Ave 10.33


Alie John Kamara 38
Runs 48 HS 17 Ave 8.00


Edward Marah 15
Debut


Julius Brewer 24
Runs 4 HS 4* Ave -


Olu Compagne-Coker 23
Debut


Ibrahim Kabia 16
Debut


Mustapha Kallon 30
Runs 131 HS 28* Ave 21.83
Wickets 16 BB 4-23 Ave 18.18