Cricketer Uwimanishaka laid to rest

Former national team wicketkeeper and swashbuckling batsman, Prince Uwimanishaka, was laid to rest yesterday at Rusororo cemetery. The 21-year-old batsman passed away on Sunday evening at Kibagabaga hospital in Kigali. Heartbroken teammates of 21 year old cricketer Uwimanishaka Prince formed a guard of honour at his funeral #RIPUwimanishaka pic.twitter.com/4k7NSApEcO — Rwanda Cricket Association (@RwaCricketAssoc) June 5, 2018 Hundreds of mourners including; cricket players, fans, family members and friends broke in tears as they bade adieu to the youngster, as they watched the proceedings closer to the grave. Uwimanishaka’s mother, Yvonne Nibaseke, who was beside him at hospital before he passed on, looked distraught and calm in her long farewell speech. The body is being carried by @RwaCricketAssoc national team players wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Uwimanishakas face. Mourners now head for church service at Miracle Centre in Remera. #RIPUwimanishaka pic.twitter.com/v4f5tO3GCq — Rwanda Cricket Association (@RwaCricketAssoc) June 5, 2018 On behalf of the cricket fraternity, Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) president, Eddie Mugarura said he has never met a kid as talented and committed as Uwimanishaka. “I first got to know him (Uwimanishaka) in 2015, because of his talent and strong desire to learn. Ever since, he has improved to be one of the best players in the country. He was a valuable asset to his club (Telugu) and the national team, he will be dearly missed,” sorrowful Mugarura said. Former teammates at Telugu cricket club and national cricket team alongside the national team coach Martin Sugi, were among the first to arrive for the funeral services. #RIPUwimanishaka A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. Your wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/mkc72XahaK — Rwanda Cricket Association (@RwaCricketAssoc) June 5, 2018 Tactician Sugi, veteran Kenya international, who had named the deceased on his squad for the forthcoming regional qualifiers for the Cricket World Cup next month, was emotional and distressed in his speech after losing his best batsman. ”Uwimanishaka trained like a winner, played like a winner and behaved like a winner. It’s very heart-breaking to see such a youngster leaving us so soon, he will forever live in in our hearts,” Sugi said while paying his final tributes to the deceased. Uwimanishaka was born on November 21, 1997, in a family of five, two boys and three girls. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Cricketer Uwimanishaka laid to rest