BY JULIUS MBARAGA
The East African cricket development offices have been moved to Rwanda according to reports from the recently held African Cricket Association annual general meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In an exclusive interview with Time Sports, the President of Rwanda Cricket Association, Charles Haba revealed that International Cricket Council Regional development offices will be relocated from the Kenyan Capital Nairobi to Kigali in October.
The need to develop local talent and make the sport famous has been cited as the main reason for the move. Compared to its neighbours Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Rwanda lags behind in the game.
The decision was reached in a bid to help Rwanda get to her neighbours’ level.
In the region, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are all well- above Rwanda but ACA is certain that the move will work in Rwanda’s favour. The office will be headed by William Kamanyi, a Ugandan cricket instructor who is taking over from Kenyan legend Tom Tikolo. Kamanyi is not a new face in Rwanda’s cricket.
On top of working with the senior national cricket team during the 2004 ICC Affiliates tournament in South Africa, Kamanyi has also conducted two schools’ cricket development courses.
Further still, Kamanyi is also credited for nurturing Andre Kayitera and Eric Dusabemungu; two of Rwanda’s cricket prospects.