Sport is not only beneficial for people's health but also serves as a source of income and a full-time occupation for many individuals. However, due to cultural stereotypes and myths surrounding women in sports, their participation remains limited, and they often lag behind their male counterparts in various disciplines. But a growing number of women have managed to overcome these barriers, ventured into the male-dominated sector and are currently coming of age, with potential to become successful sportswomen. In no particular order, Times Sport introduces to you 10 exceptional female sports talents worth watching in the next half a decade. Jane Dusabe, Basketball Dusabe, 18, plies he trade at The Hoops Basketball Club and represents the National women's team. She was born and raised in Nyagatare district and embarked on her basketball journey in 2019 while attending Senior One at Kagitumba High School. She subsequently continued her studies at Lycee de Kigali (LDK). Dusabe was playing football at a tender age throughout her entire primary school years before switching to basketball at high school after her friends persuaded her to give the sport a try, pointing out that her age would help her excel. She gave it a shot and quickly fell in love with basketball, embracing it fully within just two weeks. Dusabe emphasized that being a player does not disrupt her studies and expressed her willingness to push herself even harder. She hopes to continue improving in the years to come. Give her five years, you can then watch a top basketball player in Dusabe in her prime. Sonia Tuyishime, Tennis Tuyishime began her journey with the national team in 2016. She proudly represented Rwanda in various junior tournaments, showcasing her skills and dedication from the under-16 level for a span of two years. At just 18 years old, she made history as the youngest member of the Rwandan squad that competed in the 2021 Billie Jean King Cup in Lithuania. The 21-year-old previously took part in the W15 and W25 women's world tennis tour tournaments. The latest tournament where she took part was the W25 Bujumbura test in April where she was eliminated in the first round by Germany’s Jasmin Jebawy who beat her 2-0 (6-0, 6-0). She may not be there yet, but she is on the right path to becoming a tennis star if she uses the best of the support that the federation continues to show her. Alodie Kayitesi, Football The last-born in a family of four, Kayitesi fell in love with football during her primary school days. She was only 10 years of age. And, now at 23, the AS Kigali youngster has established herself as one of the best midfielders both at club and national team level. ALSO READ: Meet Kayitesi, AS Kigali women midfield maestro Born in Nyarugenge District, Kayitesi started playing football with her classmates in the school compounds and later started representing her primary school in inter-school’s competitions. She joined her colleagues at AS Kigali Academy in 2014, aged 14, and was later promoted to the first team the following year. She is now in her eighth season playing for the Citizens with whom she won everything there has been to play for domestically, including the 2023 women’s topflight league title. Queen Kalimpinya, Rally Kalimpinya, 24, was born in Gasabo, Kigali, in a family of five siblings. Her family later moved to Gitega, Nyarugenge, where she says to have had a pretty interesting childhood. Kalimpinya is a fast-rising rally driver and a former finalist in the Miss Rwanda beauty pageant. She started her motorsport career as a co-driver with Olivier Ngabo in 2019 until she started racing as a driver during the 2022 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, becoming the first-ever female Rwandan rally driver to do so. Kalimpinya got into competitive rally racing through encouragement from the Rwanda Automobile Club who, she says, have always been supportive to her through her journey. In June, ‘Females in Motorsport’, a volunteer-run platform, sharing stories and celebrating talent of women in motorsport from those racing to those working behind the scenes, posted a short story of Kalimpinya’s fast rise from a beauty queen to becoming Rwanda’s first ever female rally driver in Rwanda. The story caught the attention of many in the rally ecosystem including Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton. With such admiration, Kalimpinya isn’t planning to quit the sport as she looks to reach far in the sport. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Kalimpinya ‘overwhelmed’ after Hamilton praise Djazila Mwamikazi, Cycling Mwamikazi, 18, was born in Rwamagana District and grew up in the ranks of Les Amis Sportifs. She is admired by many as one of Rwanda’s cycling hopefuls. She caught the attention of many when she emerged victorious in the 2023 National Championship Mountain Bike XCO in April, women's category, which saw her represent Rwanda at the 2023 Mountain Bike Cycling CAC African Championships slated for June 2-4 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is currently the first runner-up in the 2023 National Road Race Championship. With her current CV at just 18, the young female rider is proving destined to achieve more in the future ahead of her. Henriette Ishimwe, Cricket Ishimwe needs no introduction in Rwanda’s world of cricket despite being just 19. The cricketing all-rounder now plays for both the women's U19 and senior national cricket team. ALSO READ: The rise and rise of Henriette Ishimwe, Rwanda’s fast-rising cricket sensation She is known for her skills as a right-arm medium-pace bowler and right-handed batter. The Indatwa Hampshire Cricket Club member won the March ICC player of the month award after helping Rwanda reach the Super Six of the U19 Cricket Female World Cup in South Africa in January, 2023. She was also part of the Rwandan team that won the Kwibuka Women’s T20 tournament for the first time in nine years. Ishimwe is a household cricket star who is regarded as one of Africa’s best female cricket stars of her generation. She has already had international exposure where she was among the two female cricketers from Africa chosen to take part in the 2022 FairBank International Tournament in Dubai. At just 19, she is destined for greatness domestically and at the global scene. Celine Keza Mukura, Volleyball Mukura, 19, is the second-born in a family of five children. Born and raised in Rwanda, Mukura completed her studies up until grade nine at Green Hills Academy and continued her studies in the United States. She is currently studying Artificial Intelligence at the university. In addition to her academics, she is a player in the APR volleyball club. Prior to joining APR, she had played for the Rwanda Revenue Authority Volleyball team. Her aerials and powerful serves show what a talent Rwanda will benefit from in youngster. Adeline Musabyeyezu, athletics Musabyeyezu is a middle-distance runner representing APR Athletics Club. She has participated in several competitions and achieved outstanding success. Notably, Musabyeyezu was one of only two Rwandan athletes who managed to secure a place on the podium at the 2022 Kigali International Peace Marathon which was largely dominated by Kenyan athletes across different categories. ALSO READ: Musabyeyezu strikes gold as Kenyans shine at Peace Marathon She at the time struck gold in the women's half marathon. With the capacity of competing with elite athletes of Kenyan caliber, Musabyeyezu is regarded as the heiress to veteran female athletes Marcianne Mukamurenzi and Claudette Mukasakindi if she keeps consistency.
