Rubagumya optimistic ahead of T20 Africa tournament
Wednesday, June 07, 2023
Rwandan national men's cricket team will participate at the tournament, slated for June 9-20 at the Gymkhana Cricket Ground in Nairobi, that will attract four countries. Courtesy

Rwanda men's national cricket team skipper Clinton Rubagumya says being the lowest ranked team in their group for the upcoming Continent T20 Cup-Africa tournament remains their source of motivation towards a successful campaign.

The tournament, slated for June 9-20 at the Gymkhana Cricket Ground in Nairobi, will attract four countries including host nation Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Botswana while Tanzania’s participation remains pending.

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Rubagumya isn’t concerned by the fact that Rwanda is the lowest ranked country compared to other participating countries, indicating that they are in good shape and nothing can stop them from excelling in the competition.

"We are ready, we have really waited long enough, the whole team is in good shape, no injuries and it is just up to us to get the business done.

"Being the lowest ranked side in the tournament is a big motivation for us. Last year, when we played the qualifiers in Rwanda, we were again the lowest ranked side but we finished second and managed to qualify to the Namibia World Cup qualifiers. This is another opportunity for us to excel against teams higher than us," Rubagumya told Times Sports prior to the team&039;s departure.

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"There is no pressure on us, we are very confident and we will go there and express ourselves."

On his part, Rwanda’s assistant coach Adelin Tuyizere stressed that they are not daunted by the pedigree of their opponents as he instead insists that his team has got adequate training and are well equipped enough to compete with the best.

"The boys are ready and we have been having sessions on a daily basis. The team has been on a camp since March for the boys to get together and to have a bond. I am very sure they can go all out," Tuyizere said.

"We have never beaten Uganda and Kenya but we have defeated Botswana previously so we are ready to compete."

"Last December against Uganda it was a very close game though they beat us. There is nothing special about Uganda. We also have talents and special players who can go there and compete. It is not about Uganda alone, it is all about going there and playing to win."

The top four teams will qualify to the semis and subsequently two will vie for the trophy in the finals.