Thursday
South Africa vs Namibia
Zimbabwe vs Rwanda
Friday
Rwanda vs Kenya
Zimbabwe vs Uganda
Saturday
Rwanda vs Uganda
Kenya vs Zimbabwe
Rwanda women national team coach Leornad Nhamburo wants his players to play “fearless” cricket as he aims to upset elite opponents ahead of the 13th All Africa Games in Accra.
Cricket (T20) is making a first appearance at the All Africa Games. Rwanda has been placed in Group B along with Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya with South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania and Nigeria pooled in Group A.
Rwanda women start their campaign on Thursday, March 7, against Zimbabwe. The team has had good preparations ahead of the Games as they are fresh from the just-concluded four-nation Nigeria Invitational Women T20.
Looking ahead to the Games in Accra, Nhamburo confidently said that his girls are in position to pull off an upset against any of their opponents.
“We want to cause an upset (because) we have worked on ourselves from camp back home in Kigali…and the Nigeria tournament also helped us to understand our strength and weaknesses as a team and players as individuals,” the Zimbabwean told Times Sport.
The 43-year old coach noted that, “We have worked on key areas, (among them) how to understand roles and come up with competitive combinations…and also strengthen players’ mindset.”
Asked if he is satisfied with the team’s performance in Lagos where Rwanda finished third, behind Nigeria and Tanzania, Nhamburo said, “Obviously not satisfied with the results but…each game or tournament is a chance to learn and move forward.”
Regarding Rwanda’s opening game against his native country Zimbabwe on Thursday, the coach said, “From what I saw in Nigeria, I have belief and trust that the girls will play to the best of their abilities (vs Zimbabwe).”
“Definitely we are looking forward to winning against the big sides. Players just need to express themselves…and play fearless cricket,” he stated.
Will it feel like a special moment to face his compatriots of Zimbabwe? Nhamburo said, “Not at all..look, our job as coaches is to move and coach different teams ..and always look for the best despite playing the team from my birth.”
A Rwandan delegation, led by the Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) president Stephen Musale, arrived in Accra on Tuesday, March 5.
Ten of the 15 players were part of the Rwanda U-19 team that qualified for the 2023 World Cup
Rwanda qualified for the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup after winning the Africa Qualifier. They reached the Super Six stage at the tournament, winning two of their matches.
Delegation:
Players: Marie Diane Bimenyimana, Alice Akuzwe, Gisele Ishimwe, Merveille Uwase, Belise Murekatete, Clarrise Umutoniwase, Flora Irakoze, Geovanis Uwase, Josiane Nyirankanduneza, Marie Josee Tumukunde, Therese Henriette Ishimwe, Rosine Irera, Immaculée Muhawenimana, Zulfat Ishimwe Mutoniwase and Sylivie Usabyimana.
Officials: Leonard Nhamburo (head coach), Kenneth Bugingo (assistant coach), Theoneste Iyakaremye (physio), Delphine Mumarurangwa (team manager) and Stephen Musale( RCA President).
Source link : http://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/15049/sports/cricket/all-africa-games-nhamburo-vows-to-upset-elite-opponents/amp
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Publish date : 2024-03-06 08:00:00
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