NAIROBI, Oct 7: Kenya’s cricket players were given a morale boost ahead of their Intercontinental Cup semifinals in Namibia by receiving bonuses from the 2003 World Cup.

The government announced the release of US$42,000 to offset their unpaid allowances and bonuses from the 2003 World Cup, where they made the semifinals, as well as the 2004 Champions Trophy in England.

The non-payment of their dues has been a thorny issue leading to a player revolt against the former Kenya Cricket Association (KCA) office last October.

Kenyan sports officials said the gesture to reward the players was in appreciation at the quick return to the normalcy after a long turbulent period which forced the government to appoint an interim committee last year.—AFP