Rwanda U19 boys’ cricket team is set to compete in the East Africa Youth Series ‘One-Day International’ (ODI) tournament scheduled for March 26 to April 2 in Jinja, Uganda.
Under the guidance of head coach Adelin Tuyizere, the youth team has been in a residential camp since January 3, and played several matches against the British touring Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in February.
Rwanda will be using this tournament as part of preparations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Division Two U19 Men's Qualifier that will be played in September in Malawi.
The East African Series will also feature Uganda and Kenya, two Division One teams that provide a good chance for Tuyizere's team to test itself against quality teams.
According to the Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA), the team has been selected from the Byiruka Under 17 program which involved a national tournament that was played in August 2023, bringing together nine regional teams and 128 players.
"The team is doing well at the moment. Last month, we played two 50-Over matches and one T20 against MCC. Although we didn't win a single game, I am happy for the experience gained from playing against first class opposition,” Tuyizere told Times Sport.
He noted that the East Africa Youth Series provide his team with an opportunity to test assess itself before participating in the ICC Division Two U19 qualifier later this year.
The traveling delegation for the youth series will leave Kigali on Monday, February 25.
The traveling contingent:
Players:
Chris Yussuf Namuhoranye, Theoneste Hakuza, Patrick Imanirere, Confiance Rukundo, Jean Claude Imanishimwe, Yves Cyusa, Onesme Kwizera, Elyse Gihozo, Clever Mutuyimana, Kigabo Moise, Mukeba Joel Fils T, Emmanuel Manishimwe, Patrick Iradukunda and Jasper Nziza.
Officials:
Adelin Tuyizera (Head coach), Anselme Mugisha (Assistant coach) and Theoneste Iyakaremye (Physiotherapist).
Meanwhile, on the local scene, the Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) T20 league continues this weekend, in both the men’s and women categories. All matches are taking place at Gahanga cricket stadium.
Day 1 of the women’s league will see Gahanga Queens host Muhanga Zebras on Saturday at 9:30 am, which will be followed by SORWATHE Women Vs Charity Cricket Club at 2:30 pm.
The men's league will continue on Sunday with Day 2 fixtures, starting with Indorwa Cricket Club taking on the youthful but talented IPRC-Kigali in the morning, before Right Guards come up against Zonic Cricket Club in the afternoon.