KIGALI - A visiting team of United Kingdom Conservatives under their social action project, known as "Umubano”, yesterday, pledged to help build a modern cricket facility in Kigali.

The pledge was made after a team of the Conservatives won a friendly cricket match against Rwanda Old Timers "Abakambwe” by six wickets.

The match that took place at Kicukiro cricket field was part of the group’s ongoing series of sports activities.

Charles Haba, the President of Rwanda Cricket Association, commended the Conservatives for their visit, the pledge and the cricket match.

"It’s part of their traditional annual visit to have a cricket match with us but this time they have taken it to a much higher level because they have donated a lot of playing equipment to the association,” he said.

"They are going to assist us in building a modern cricket facility in Kigali that can host international matches.”

Haba added that the Project Umubano has pledged to work with them to take cricket to another level.

During the game, the Old Timers batted first and set 114 runs but Umubano team scored 115 runs for four and emerged victors.

Speaking after the match, Alan Sendorek, Umubano Captain said that it was a wonderful experience to play with Rwanda Old Timers.

"We are very happy to have won the game but most important we got to know each other and shared experiences,” he said.

Aside from the cricket match, they have been going to schools that play cricket to improve skills by coaching students on how to play the game better.

On Thursday, the group distributed over 100 Liverpool Football Club shirts donated to schoolchildren coached by the Project.

Brooks Newmark, Conservative Member of Parliament, said that sport is a very good way to break down cultural barriers adding that the match between Umubano and Rwanda Old Timers was a great event.

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