Rwanda to become a cricket nursery bed-RCA

Rwanda Cricket Association General Manager Joshua Mwanja believes that Rwanda will soon become a ‘nursery bed’ for cricket players in the region. Mwanja was commenting on the just ended UA Exchange and Xpress Money 50-overs premier league and Women’s T20 at the RCA offices in Kicukiro on Friday. Right Guards beat Indorwa CC to win the men’s 50-overs premier league while White Clouds defeated Kigali Angles to lift the girl’s T20 title. He applauded the regular domestic tournament sponsors such as UA Exchange & Xpress Money, Computer Point Ltd, Zaffran Restaurant and Naidu family who he said have given an avenue for Rwandan players to compete. “Through these competitions we have seen tremendous talent for both boys and girls,” Mwanja stated. He added: “With the construction of the first ever dedicated cricket stadium in Gahanga coming up in 2015, Rwanda is yet to be the garden of cricket talents in the region.” This facility will not only offer a chance for youngsters playing on an international ground, but will also give an opportunity to host teams from Uganda, UK and international tournaments. The former Ugandan International cricketer is impressed by young Rwandans playing the game and the attitude they have towards the sport. RCA has also put much emphasis on the young generation. “We have put in place structures for kids to play cricket right from primary schools through to universities,” he said Mwanja, who makes two years in office this month, said they want to make cricket the sport of choice in the country by giving an opportunity for all to play. He noted: “I saw talents in the inter-school competition that I had not seen before and as a manager of the association, we will continue doing our best to help these children develop into ‘star’ players.” RCA has a long term plan to provide support to grassroots developments, schools cricket with a competition structure, adults’ cricket linking the universities and mass participation. With support from the International Cricket Council, Africa Cricket Association, Cricket without Boundaries and Sorwathe Tea Plantation, cricket has been introduced to many parts of the country.

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Rwanda to become a cricket nursery bed-RCA