Newly appointed Rwanda senior men’s cricket national team head coach Lawrence Mahatlane says Rwanda has what it takes to achieve maximum success in cricket within the least period. The exprienced South African cricket coach was unveiled as the new head coach of the men's cricket national team on Wednesday, April 24, replacing Lee Booth who left the post in December 2023. During his unveiling, Mahatlane said he is committed to taking Rwandan cricket to the next level. There is lots of potential, I rate Rwanda high, we can achieve a lot. We have the facilities, and we can put in effort and achieve much in a short time, Mahatlane said. ALSO READ: Rwanda bows out of ACA T20 Cup Finals During the three years that I coached Uganda, we played Rwanda 21 times, so I know how the Rwandan team plays. In terms of coaching a senior side, I have also coached U19 sides to five world cups. I have coached at all levels, middle cricket to national teams so I am very confident that I can achieve much here and help in the development of the sport, he added. Mahatlane also emphasized that within the shortest possible time, Rwandan can become a force to reckon with in cricket in the region. I think realistically Rwanda beat Uganda once in 21 games. In the next couple of years we can improve to such a level that we can improve the win ratio, he said. Rwanda men’s team currently ranks 63rd in the world and Mahatlane’s appointment came as a boost. Rwanda Cricket Association president Stephen Musaale believes he can push the team forward and improve its ranking as long as he is in charge. “We are building this team for the future, and we hope Mahatlane fits in our project,” Musaale said. Mahatlane, 47, enjoyed three successful years in Uganda before resigning in October 2023 due to unspecified reasons. He was previously the deputy coach for the Highveld Lions in 2000 before taking up the coaching role for the U19 South African coach in 2014.
