The men’s national cricket team on Sunday, October 30, departed Kigali International Airport for a series of games against Tanzania as part of the two countries’ preparations for the forthcoming ICC Men T20 World Cup qualifiers due in Kigali in November.

The team, led by head coach Martin Suji, is expected to play six build up games against the Tanzanians, including five T20s and one 50 over-game during the next few days.

They will play their opening game Monday, October 31, at Annadil Burhani Cricket Grounds which will host all of the six games to be played.

Suji traveled to Tanzania with a 14-man squad led by team captain Clinton Rubagumya and veteran Eric Dusingizimana while South Africa-based Emmanuel Sebareme will take a direct flight from Johannesburg to Dar to join the rest of the team in Tanzania.

Tanzania and Rwanda are preparing for the 2022-23 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa qualifier, a T20I cricket tournament that will be played as part of qualification process for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, from November 17 to December 9 in Kigali.

The first stage of the qualification pathway in the Africa region consists two sub-regional qualifiers, with the top two teams from each event progressing to the regional final.

The sub-regional tournaments’ top two sides in the regional final event will qualify for the 2024 IC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Full squad to Tanzania:

Clinton Rubagumya (Captain), Martin Akayezu, Yvon Mitali, Zappy Bimenyimana, Eric Dusingizimana, Orchide Tuyisenge, Wilson Niyitanga, Didier Ndikubwimana, Kevin Irakoze, Emmanuel Sebareme, Ignace Ntirenganya, Eric Kubwimana, Oscar Manishimwe, Baptiste Hakizimana and Aime Mucyodusenge.

Technical squad:

Martin Suji (Head Coach)

Adelin Tuyizere (Assistant Coach)

Jackson Nzayisenga (Team Manager)

Thoneste Iyakaremye (Physiotherapist)