The hosts finished at the bottom of the four-team qualifiers tournament at Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali
The National Cricket Team captain Eric Hirwa Dusabemungu has admitted there is still "a lot of work to be done” for Rwanda to reach the heights of neighbors Kenya and Uganda.
The skipper’s comments come following Rwanda’s unimpressive performance during the recently concluded Regional World T20 Africa ‘B’ Qualifiers staged at Gahanga Cricket Oval from July 8 to 14.
The hosts finished at the bottom of the four-nation regional contest that also had in competition; winners Kenya, first runners-up Uganda and second runners-up Tanzania.
Speaking to Times Sport on Monday, Dusabemungu explained that the tournament left the home players with some good lessons to learn before underlining that the team did all they could for positive results but all the opponents proved stronger and more experienced.
"Our game has improved, but we still could not challenge the other teams. We have to agree we were whitewashed on home soil, and strive to doing better next time. Nonetheless, I am proud of the hard work and effort from everyone on the team.” Dusabemungu said.
"The tournament was a valuable learning exercise for the boys,” he noted.
Adding that, they need to play more friendly games against such teams to improve and attain their level.
"That is why next month we shall play all the East Africa regional teams, we hope this will improve our performance. We are determined to learn and grow,” he further explained.
Eric Niyomugabo who top-scored for Rwanda with 26 runs in the last game against Tanzania also said the front-line bowling attack is still very low and needs extraordinary effort to improve.
"The opponents were more experienced, but our game is also on the rise. What makes me even more proud is the resilience that we displayed, despite the defeats” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Rwanda Cricket Association President Eddie Balaba Mugarura has commended the team despite the fact that they finished last.
"Hosting the tournament has shown that the game exists in Rwanda. The numbers of fans who came out to support the teams also increased compared to previous figures,” Balaba noted.
Balaba also pointed out that, cricket in Rwanda has been around for only 18 years, which is not comparable with other regional countries, he believes with time and along with RCA promotion and development programs the sport will grow and flourish in the country.