Rwanda’s cricket governing body (RCA) on Wednesday announced the appointment of South African Lawrence Mahatlane as the new head coach of the men's senior national team.

The team was without a coach since British coach Lee Booth left the post in December 2023 after his six-month deal expired.

Mahatlane, 47, brings a significant wealth of experience and expertise to the team, having previously handled the U19 team of his native country South Africa and Uganda’s senior national team between 2020 and 2023.

"With an illustrious career in cricket coaching spanning several years, Mathalane has earned recognition for his exceptional leadership and strategic prowess. His tenure with the Ugandan and South Africa U19 team has been marked by remarkable achievements and the development of young talents, setting a strong foundation for success," RCA president Stephen Musaale said in a press statement.

On his part, Mahatlane was pleased with his new job as he hopes to develop great talent in the sport and lift Rwandan cricket to another level.

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"I am excited and honored to join as the head coach of Rwanda men's senior team. I am committed to building upon the solid groundwork laid by the RCA and look forward to not only creating a successful team but also a sustainable system that will create long-term success," the former Uganda coach said.

Mahatlane enjoyed three successful years in Uganda before resigning on October 2023 due to unspecified reasons.

He was previously the deputy coach for the Higveld Lions in 2000 before taking up the coaching role for the U19 South African coach in 2014.