ANDRE Kayitera will skipper Rwanda’s U-19 team when the team starts its hunt for a World Cup berth in Mozambique. With his experience and excellent temperament, Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA)’s chief selector Emma Byiringiro believes that he is best suited for the role.

"His cricket brain and leadership skills are up there. He also boosts of vast experience after playing for Rwanda’s senior team in the 2006 and 2008 ICC/ACA World Cricket league Div 3 affiliates tournaments in South Africa,” Byiringiro said.

RCA‘s selection panel of Byiringiro, Martin Ondeko (the team’s interim coach) and Eddie Mugarurura (team manager) also believes that the team has the right balance.

"We expect good performances from the team because it’s well balanced in terms of bowlers and batmen,” one of the selectors added.

The first qualifying phase that is slated for February 27-March 5 pits Rwanda with Ghana, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Gambia and hosts Mozambique.

The winner from this phase will proceed to Zambia for the final qualifiers in April. These qualifiers will merge some of Africa’s top cricketing nations like Nigeria, Namibia, Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania among others.

Kenya will host the 2010 ICC U-19 World Cup.

U-19 squad: A. Kayitera (Captain), B. Songa, E. Dusabemungu, E. Dusingizimana, E. Mutuyimana, J. Tuyishimire, F. Nsengiyumva,  D. Bayingana, J.C Siboniyo,  A. Byiringiro, C. Mwijanda, J. Ishimwe, S. Nkurunziza, D. Manirambona.

Officials: E. Byiringiro (Coach/Physio), E. Mugarurura (Team Manager).

Ends