Africa U-19 Girls’ tournament
Nov 22. Rwanda v Uganda
Nov 23. Rwanda v Kenya
Nov 24. Rwanda v Zambia
Nov 25. Rwanda v Tanzania

RWANDA’s stand in U-19 cricket coach Robert Mugisha branded his side clear underdogs going into this year’s Africa U-19 Girls tournament which bowls off on Monday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Rwanda, who are making their debut in the regional tourney and missing their top player Delphine Mukarurangwa (sick) face a gigantic hurdle against the likes of Uganda, Kenya, Zambia and hosts Tanzania.

"We are the underdogs and very few people expect us to do well but I think we can put up a good show,” Mugisha told Times Sport yesterday.

"For us, it’s important that we give our best and continue to grow and gel as a team.” Mugisha added. Most of these girls have played at this stage before after featuring for Rwanda in last year’s East Africa women tournament which was staged in Uganda.

The 14-man team, which departs for Dar es Salaam this morning, is captained by 17-year-old Rina Ntagozera, who was central in helping Kagarama win this year’s Caisse Sociale schools cricket tournament.

Rwanda’s involvement in the regional event was made possible after valuable contributions from Ministry of Sports and Culture (Minispoc)-US$1,500, Universal Trading-Rwf0.2m and Socobico-Rwf50,000.

Ends