In a country where cricket is increasingly gaining admiration despite being one of the newest in Rwanda, 19-year-old Henriette Ishimwe is defying the odds and making a name for herself in the game with her impressive skills and passion for the sport.
Growing up, Ishimwe didn't envision herself playing cricket, a sport that was relatively unknown in Rwanda. However, at the age of 13, she started playing with other children at Ndera Primary School and found herself enjoying the game.
She said her friends played a significant role in influencing her decision to follow cricket until she found herself loving the game which she never dreamed of playing. Volleyball was her first choice sport during her early high school days.
ALSO READ: NCF Women’s T20: We are here for the title, Ishimwe
Although Ishimwe took a break from the sport during her first year of high school, she resumed playing when she reached Senior 2.
From the time being, she and other young cricket players attended regular training season organised by coach Eric Tall, who recognized Ishimwe&039;s talent and recommended her to the national team.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment in her cricket journey, Ishimwe said, "When the coaches came at my school to scout players for the U19 national team, they chose me and that was a turning point for me. It made me realize that cricket was a sport I could excel in and continue to play."
Ishimwe did just that, continuing to hone her skills and making her mark in the cricket world. Her talent started to blossom as fast as only a few, or none, ever imagined.
Just days after her maiden U19 national team callup, Ishimwe, the second born in a family of six, went on to join the senior national team and even traveled to Uganda for cricket matches.
Reflecting on her early days with the national team, Ishimwe recalls that her first match "taught me the importance of discipline and gave me the confidence to push herself to excel.”
You may think that she grew up looking up to any of the cricket greats, either locally or in the world but, surprisingly, Ishimwe never had a role model to look up to. She only credits her rapid rise to stardom in the game to good leadership of the local cricket governing body (RCA), supportive coaches, and parents who never stopped her to chase her dream.
Since the beginning of her cricket career, Ishimwe has had a remarkable journey. Her quick rise, incredible performance at big stages can only be referred to as ‘poetry in motion’
She was part of Rwandan women’s team that played in the World Cup Qualifiers in May 2021, where she caught the attention of the captain of Botswana's team.
ALSO READ: Cricket: A guide to Rwanda’s U19 Women’s World Cup Group B opponent
After the qualifiers, she said, "she approached me and told me about an opportunity to play in Fairbreak, a higher-level competition.”
She connected her with the organizers who later on sent her an invitation to attend the competition.
"It was a major achievement for me,” she said.
Reflecting on her experience in the competition playing with some of the sport's biggest stars, Ishimwe said, "I was privileged to play alongside them and learn from their expertise. I really learnt a lot from them but I am sure they also learnt from my experience.”
Ishimwe insists such experiences helping her lead the national team to qualify for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, which she ranks "by far the biggest milestone of my career.”
ALSO READ: Cricket: Ishimwe makes bright debut at Dubai tourney
She further emphasized the importance of teamwork and wholehearted effort in achieving their goals, noting that the team's success was a result of their collective dedication.
"Making it to the World Cup for the first time was not down to one individual but playing as a team. It’s a big achievement that required everyone’s contribution including the [RCA] administration, the technical staff and the players,” she said.
For Ishimwe, playing cricket has not only provided her with a sense of purpose but has also allowed her to support her education and her family financially.
"Cricket has the potential to offer a living for those who play professionally. The future of the sport in our country is bright and I hope the best is yet to come,” he said.
As a Rwandan woman cricketer, Ishimwe recognizes the value and voice that she brings to the sport and calls for continuous support from coaches, senior players and the cricket association to help young players grow their talent for the best of future strides in the game.