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As anticipation mounts for the U-19 Easter Youth ODI Series Tournament slated from March 26th to April 2nd, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya have revealed their competitive under-19 squads, setting the stage for an enthralling cricket spectacle.
Uganda, playing host to its East African counterparts in Jinja, will showcase its cricketing prowess at the iconic Jinja SS Cricket Oval.
Meanwhile, Rwanda Cricket, with eyes set on the division two qualifiers in Malawi later this year, views this tournament as a crucial platform to challenge themselves against higher-ranked opponents in Uganda and Kenya.
Despite missing out on the word cup qualifiers last year in Tanzania, Rwanda’s dedication to cricket development is palpable, as evidenced by recent under-19 activities including matches against the prestigious MCC team.
The Rwanda under-19 squad exhibits impressive potential as they prepare for a formidable lineup that presents Adelin Tuyizere as the headcoach and will be assisted by Anselme Mugisha, the team will be led by captain Confiance Rukundo and it includes talented players such as Yves Cyusa, Patrick Iradukunda, Patrick Manirere, Jasper Nziza Karoro, Elyse Gihozo, Clever Mutuyimana, Moise Kigabo, Theoneste Hakuziyaremye, Onesme Kwizera, Emmanuel Manishimwe, Jean Claude Manishimwe, Joel Fils Thiama Mukeba, and Chris Yussuf Namuhoranye.
Adding depth to the squad are reserves Jules Mugisha and Obed mugisha, ready to step up when needed.
Kenya, eyeing a coveted spot in the upcoming under-19 World Cup qualifiers having finished second during last year’s qualifiers, marches into the tournament with determination under the leadership of Head Coach Josephat Irungu and esteemed ex-internationals ‘Paceman’ Ongondo, Thomas Odoyo.
The Kenyan squad features a talented lineup including players such as Yash Gohil, Aditya Vekariya, Akshith Sekar, Arshdeep Kundi, Neel Doshi, Prinay Galaiya, Saijeeth Chidambaran, Shlok Saini, Stian Smith, Yug Patel, Yuvraj Bhatyani, Dhir Patel, Fortune Masai, Yusuf Khamala Mukoya, James Githua Mwaura, and Anthony Ndungu Njuguna.
Uganda, having clinched a commendable third position in Dar es Salaam during last year’s World Cup qualifiers, enters the tournament with high hopes under the guidance of Coach Emmanuel Isaneez and assistant Robinson Turinawe.
The Uganda under-19 team, geared up for competition, boasts a lineup featuring Kidega Christopher, Olipa Gerald, Magezi Ronald, Sohera Richard, Mulongo Paul, Bagaga Hassan, Lubwama Conrad, Nyiro Jonathan, Ochen Peter, Musa Majid, Balidawa Ali, Gurjivani Singh, Aziz Tandya, Kunsa Cyrus, Owili Robert, and Doka Abdul Shakur.
The tournament’s opening clash between Uganda and Kenya on March 26th promises to be a thrilling encounter, marking the commencement of what is expected to be an exhilarating display of cricketing talent and camaraderie in East Africa.
The games will be streamed live to make sure that the fans can get them at their convince.
Photo credits: Ishimwe AbdoulkahalÂ
