Kamau Leverock and Damali Bell are the new kids on the block.Having recently been on tour with the Bermuda national cricket team to UAE these two young players have the world at their feet. Talented, focused, and disciplined are just a few words I could use to describe them.Over the next few years it will be interesting to see how they both elevate their game and take Bermuda cricket to another level.What is it about these two young players that make them stand out amongst their peers? Although they are talented they remain humble and have a passion for the game of cricket that can only lead to them being successful. In addition to this they are students of the game, willing to listen and learn, key ingredients for success.Over the last year I have been following the progress of both players. Kamau is a close friend of the family and very good friends with my son Jonte’.Having watched him from a very young age it is of no surprise that he is now starting to blossom. Damali on the other hand peaked my interest from the accolades he received from players of Cleveland County while I was coaching there. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to coach him, but I have kept my eye on him.Both teenagers recently represented the senior national Bermuda team on a practice tour to UAE. My expectations were high for them but also realistic. This would be their first major challenge in transitioning from juniors to seniors, and not only did I want to see how they would perform, but how they would adjust mentally.Did they have the character and the gusto that top players require to perform and compete at that level?Statistics-wise even though they didn’t perform at their ultimate best, the resilience was there, and they showed a tremendous amount of character.In Damali’s case there was a game where he was hit about in his first spell. To his credit he showed maturity and continued to charge in ball by ball, over by over giving his all for his country.Kamau on the other hand started on a bumpy road with a low score in his first match, but then turned around and scored 50 in only his second innings as a senior player. Between the two it speaks volumes of their will, determination and ultimate character.When asked about the progress of Damali and Kamau coach David Moore had these remarks: “Damali is a very exciting prospect and has a big future if he keeps progressing in his game as he is now. He has an excellent work ethic and listens very closely to what the coaches and other support staff have to say. He is a naturally gifted athlete and can bat, bowl and field to a very high level. If he maintains his progress anything is possible.“Kamau is a tremendous young allrounder that is maturing and improving all the time. He did not look out of place batting at No.3 in the most recent tour and I expect that if he maintains his energy and enthusiasm it will not be long before he is a permanent member of the National team.“He brings a high level of performance in all 3 disciplines to the table (batting, bowling, fielding). He has a high work ethic and listens to all that is said. His game has already expanded since he joined the National squad this year as he likes to try new challenges and keeps working on them until he feels he has made significant progress.”I guess I can speak on behalf of cricket fans when I say it was a pleasure to be able to get over by over commentary of this tour through the services of Josh Ball of The Royal Gazette. It was certainly first class, especially the video highlights. The games at times got so intense my heart started pulsating, while others on the site stated that because of the games they were late for work, thus showing the interest of Bermuda cricket fans.Over the next two weeks the pair will be training hard with their own age group, the Under-19s, as they prepare to go to Florida, to try and qualify for the ICC U19s World Cup Global Qualifier, scheduled to take place in Ireland in July.In order to do this Bermuda must finish in the top two from a pool of Canada, USA, Cayman Islands, Argentina, Bahamas and Bermuda.The tour to UAE should have mentally prepared Damali and Kamau in readiness for their roles in the Under-19s tour coming up. In moving back into their own age group they will be able to share their experiences of travelling with the senior team with their fellow teammates so that they too can aspire to one day reach that level.I look forward to watching your teammates follow in your footsteps in keeping the senior national players on guard.