A world cricketer Catia Uwamahoro
Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) has named a 14-women team to represent the country at the Nigeria-Rwanda Women Bilateral Series set to be held in Abuja from January 23rd -30th, 2019.
The Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) General Manager Emmanuel Byiringiro told KT Sports that the upcoming tour is part of preparations of for the upcoming Africa World Cup qualifiers which will be held in May, 2019.
The Rwandan side will play five match series, which will have two One Day Internationals of 40 overs and three T-20 games, against the Nigerian team in the bilateral series. All matches will take place on the turf wicket of Package ‘B’ National Stadium, Abuja.
Rwanda and Nigeria will be using the five match series as a build up towards World Cup Qualifiers where either team are expected to encounter countries like Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania , Uganda and host Zimbabwe.
“This is the first stage of preparations for the upcoming Africa World Cup cricket qualifiers. We hope to invite regional teams during the Easter Period such that they can engage with our women national team before they head to Harare for the final tournament,” he said.
The team which is managed by Gahonzire Victoire is currently holding its daily training sessions at IPRC Kicukiro. The Rwandese squad includes; Ishimwe Henriette, Iriho Veronique, Bimenyimana Marie-Diane, Muhawenimana Immaculee, Ishimwe Gisele and captain Uwera Sarah.
Others are Uwamahoro Cathia, Ingabire Sifa, Ikuzwe Alice, Irakoze Flora, Nyirankundineza Josiane, Ishimwe Dusabemungu Diane, Vumiliya Margueritte and Uwimbabazi Antoinette.
The Rwanda women team is expected to depart to Abuja on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Upon their arrival, they will hold a training session the following day before facing Nigeria in the first 40 overs match on Friday, January 25, 2019.
They will play a second T20 match on January 26 then rest on January 27 before playing two more T20 matches on Monday, January 28thand Tuesday January 29th ahead of their return to Kigali on Wednesday January 30, 2019.
The Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF) has also shortlisted their national team which will face Rwanda. A total of 16 girls are in camp since January 10, 2019.
The 2019 ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers will be staged in Zimbabwe from May 3-13, 2019 attracting Rwanda, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and hosts Zimbabwe.
Rwanda Women’s Team: Ishimwe Henriette, Iriho Veronique, Bimenyimana Marie Diane, Muhawenimana Immaculee, Ishimwe Gisele, Uwera Sarah, Uwamahoro Cathia, Ingabire Sifa, Ikuzwe Alice, Irakoze Flora, Nyirankundineza Josiane, Ishimwe Dusabemungu Diane, Vumiliya Margueritte and Uwimbabazi Antoinette.
