Exclusive insights on the Kwibuka Tournament, fixtures and the Squads

With only two days remaining until the tournament begins, the 10th edition of the Kwibuka Tournament will feature eight teams in Kigali, Rwanda, from May 30th to June 8th.

This year’s event sees a significant increase in participation compared to last year, which had only five teams.

Notably, the tournament welcomes Africa Games gold medalists Zimbabwe, along with debutants Cameroon and Malawi.

Hosted annually by the Rwanda Cricket Association, the Kwibuka Tournament commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

The other participating teams in this year’s edition include the hosts and defending champions Rwanda, alongside Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, and Nigeria.

Historically, Uganda and Kenya have each won the tournament three times and will be striving for their fourth title. Tanzania, a two-time champion, will not be participating this year.

Rwanda, the current champions, claimed their first title last year by defeating Uganda by six wickets and will be eager to defend their trophy on home soil.

The tournament will follow a single round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final, while the remaining teams will compete in placement matches.

The games will be held at two venues within the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium complex, specifically Gahanga Main Oval and Gahanga B.

Notably, in last year’s tournament and all previous editions, both Gahanga Oval and IPRC Oval were used. However, this year, no matches will be played at IPRC Oval.

There will be two rest days during the tournament.

All matches will have T20 International (T20I) status, offering ranking points and the opportunity for teams to improve their international standings.

SQUADS

All teams have named preliminary squads for the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament as follows.

RWANDA

Diane Bimenyimana (C), Mervielle Uwase, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette Therese Ishimwe, Clarrisse Umutoniwase, Belyse Murekatete, Alice Ikuzwe, Geovanis Uwase, Rosine Irera, Josiane Nyirakundineza, Immaculate Muhawenimana, Rosette Shimwamana, Flora Irakoze, Shakila Niyomuhoza

UGANDA

Janet Mbabazi (C), Rita Musamali, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Stephanie Nampiina, Proscovia Alako, Consy Aweko, Kevin Awino, Sarah Walaza, Malisa Ariokot, Patricia Timong, Jimia Muhammad, Asumin Akurut, Lorna Anyait, Immaculate Nandera

ZIMBABWE A

Chiyedza Teresia Dhururu (C), Kudzai Kelly Chigora, Kelis Tanyarazwa Ndhlovu, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Lindrose Musina, Buhlebenkosi Maposa, Michelle Mavunga, Loryn Phiri, Lorraine Pemhiwa, Beloved Bhiza, Olinder Chare, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Passionate Munorwei, Christina Mutasa

NIGERIA

Favour Eseigbe (C), Annointed Akhigbe, Abigail Igbobie, Victory Igbinedion, Salome Sunday, Esther Sandy, Rachael Samson, Lilian Ude, Shola Adekunle, Peace Usen, Sarah Etim, Christabel Chukwuonye

KENYA

Esther Wachira (C), Veronica Abuga, Venasa Ooko, Charity Muthoni, Lavendah Idambo, Ann Wangui, Jemimah Sila, Flavia Odhiambo, Edith Waithaka, Kelvia Achieno, Mercy Sifuna, Judith Ogolla, Marion Okira, Queentor Abel

CAMEROON

Michelle Solange Ekani Ngono (C), Cynerah Dibande Mboe, Madeleine Laure Nseke Sissako, Olive Princesse Ranedoumoun, Manuella Aboui Mbida, Leslie Tchouabo Mbieleu, Annie Sandra Nono, Elsa Garcia Kana Souna, Brenda Waluma, Marguerite Etoga Bessala, Adrienne Ngono Noah, Edwige Guehoada, Catherine Nivelle Messina, Cathy Sylvaine Ngo Mbelel

BOTSWANA

Tuelo Shadrack (C), Laura Mophakedi, Shameelah Mosweu, Goabilwe Matome, Oratile Kgeresi, Pako Mapotsane, Merapelo Phiase, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Onneile Keitsemang, Kesego Inakale, Wendy Moutswi, Amantle Letuba, Aliya Motorwala, Entle Mmese

MALAWI

Vanessa Kanyanda Phiri (C), Alinafe Alphonso, Febbe Malefula, Ketrina Maliamu Chingaipe, Lucy Malino, Lidia Lucia Dimba, Mercy Kudimba, Nellie Gamaliyele, Praise Maziya, Sophina Chinawa, Sungeni Kananji, Tandela Tereza Mpakwaya, Tricia Chabila, Triphonia Luka

TOURNAMENT FIXTURES