DENNIS Mukama is the new national cricket team captain.Mukama’s appointment was confirmed yesterday by Charles Haba, Rwanda’s cricket boss.

Mukama, who replaces  Srinath Vardhineni starts his reign next month when the team travels to Malawi for the 2009 ICC World Cricket League-affiliates tournament.

After his appointment, Mukama said, "I’m very thrilled and excited to have been given the opportunity to captain Rwanda.”

The 30-year-old was also quick to praise his predecessor Vardhineni as a ‘great leader’.

"He was a great skipper and it’s true that I have huge boots to fill but I’ll try to give it the best possible go I can,” Mukama added.

During Vardhineni’s five-year reign, the 38-year-old stood out as one of Rwanda’s top all-rounders.

In the country’s three outings in the 2004, 2006 and 2008 World Cricket League tournaments, Vardhineni stood out as Rwanda’s top performer with five man-of-the match awards and Mukama will have that in mind when he leads out the team in Malawi early next month.

Haba however has no doubt that Mukama will rise to the challenge."He is a quality player who will command the respect of the dressing room and I’m sure he will be looking to lead from the front.”

On top of hosts Malawi, Rwanda will also contend with pre-tournament favourites Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Gambia and Morocco.

Rwanda’s squad for 2009 WCL Div 3
Malawi – (October 2-8)

Dennis Mukama (Captain), Subashish Samal (assistant Captain), Srinath Vardhineni, Emma Byiringiro, Andre Kayitera, Eric Dusingizimana, Eric Dusabemungu, Praveen Kumar, Audifax Byiringiro, Shijith Poocham, Derrick Bayingana, Evode Mutuyimana, Bob Bashil and Joseph Tuyishimire.   

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