RCA announce T20 squad

RWANDA has announced their final 14-man squad for the upcoming ICC Africa Regional Division 3 T20 tournament in Accra – Ghana. Team coach Adam Arnold admitted that selecting the squad was difficult. “The squad is solid although I was forced to omit some good players like Julius Mbaraga because of a shoulder injury,” the Australian said. Spin bowler Jean Claude Siboniyo was also left out. The Australian also admits that Rwanda, who are seeded top in the competition, face a stern examination in Ghana as they attempt to win their first international tournament.Team captain Dusingizimana also has great confidence in the team. “We believe we have selected an extremely exciting squad that offers balance with several options across the entire squad. Most of the players have shown their capabilities at international level,” he said. With less than two weeks to the tourney, RCA is still struggling to raise funds for the team. “We need about Rwf5m to dress the team and pay the tournament’s participation fees worth $2500 (Rwf1.7m),” RCA’s president Charles Haba said. “We had high hopes in the Ministry of Sports but till date, we are still in the dark,” Haba added. The tournament is scheduled to run from February 22-28.Rwanda is drawn in Group A alongside Lesotho, Cameroon and Seychelles while Group B pits Morocco against Gambia, Mali and St. Helena. Rwanda’s team: Eric Dusingizimana (Captain), Srinath Vardhineni (Vice Captain), Dennis Mukama, Andre Kayitera, Eric Hirwa Dusabemungu, Audifax Byiringiro, Derrick Bayingana, Sayram Gopalan, Evode Mutuyimana, Don De Dieu Mugisha, Christian Mwijanda, Desire Manirambona, Eugene Haragirimana, Subhasis Samal.Adam Arnold (Coach), Eddie Balaba (Team Manager). Rwanda– Group A match scheduleFebruary 24- Rwanda vs LesothoFebruary 25- Rwanda vs Seychelles February 26- Rwanda vs Cameroon Ends