Rwanda is all set to host the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 qualifiers – the penultimate qualification round, from August 21st to 27th, 2024, at Gahanga and IPRC Cricket Grounds.
The tournament, which features seven teams, including Kenya, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Malawi, Eswatini, and Sierra Leone, will be played under a round-robin format.
At the end of the contest, the top two teams will advance to the next stage, where they will compete for that coveted lone slot at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup in Malaysia and Thailand, against ICC full member side Zimbabwe and Africa’s top women’s cricketing nations in Namibia, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and hosts Rwanda.
According to Rwanda Cricket Association President Stephen Musaale, Rwanda is thrilled to host the qualifiers and is confident the tournament will be played in the right spirit.
“It’s always an honour for Rwanda to host such tournaments because it shows ICC’s trust in us. It is also an avenue to continue growing the fanbase while inspiring more public and corporate support,” he added, “A warm welcome to all participating nations and officials, and we look forward to a thrilling contest.”
Speaking during the pre-tournament press conference, Kenya’s U19 captain Melvin Khagoitsa said that her side’s wealth of experience should see them over the line.
“We have a number of experienced players in the side and have prepared well for this tournament so we are confident that we will compete,” she said.
In 2022, Rwanda defied the odds by beating Uganda in the qualifiers to claim that lone spot at the 2023 ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup in South Africa.
The participating squads are as follows:
Kenya
Melvin Khagoitsa (Captain), Janet Makau, Zainabu Hamisi, Kreeshna Mehta, Roshele Atamba, Irene Mutinda, Awe Wambua, Tania Atieno, Stella Idagiza, Neera Ruda, Ayaana Gupta, Marion Agoi, Rael Kaibunga
Malawi
Ketrina M. Chingaipe (Captain), Alinafe Alfonso, Febbe Malefula, Lucy Malino, Angela Lumbe, Mercy Kudimba, Lucy Bigula, Euless Chilarile, Sophina Chinawa, Faith Khofi, Christina Bwanali, Frolance Nkhoma, Evah Kabwere, Esther Richard
Mozambique
Amelia L. Mundundo (Captain), Wisley Nely A. Bucuane, Regina O. Mazumba, Faida P. Tesora, Bitosa Q. Vilia, Yudney Murrure, Carolina L. Muchanga, Delerosa S. Navingo, Leonar V. Mandhate, Marlene R. Gulela, Ilauda L. Muiambo, Ilza Artur Machava, Zelia F. Chauque, Suzan D. Matavele
Botswana
Tlhalefo B. Godisamanga (Captain), Merco One Dipogiso, Segaba O. Keganne, Entle Mmese, Lame Rasina, Lesego L. Kooagile, Aliya J. Motorwala, Oratile Tsimako, Celeste M. aaron, Amantle G. Letuba, Keotshephile Kearialo, Mpho Modise, Queen Kebetso, Otatile M. Gegopolwe
Eswatini
Dlamini Tibusiso (Captain), Dlamini Siphelele, Dlamini Owami Gwebu Lethokuhle, Mamba Kendokuhle, Mamba Nkosingiphile, Mkhonta Nomphilo, Nkosi Siyamthanda, Shabalala Zinle, Shabalala Lihle, Simelane Lulama, Sithole Temazikodze, Tsabedze Nomazwi, Zwane Phumlile
Lesotho
Kananelo M. Molapo (Captain), Karabo Christina, Tshowana Ntobo, Lerato A. Mating, Reabetsoe Matilda, Lemohang R. Sakoane, Mat’seliso G. Setintana, Lintle Mohloai, Lindiwe T. Polaki, Kabelo Esther, Boitumelo Tlali, Tsoanelo Seaka, Topollo Mofolo, Teboho Mosobela
Sierra Leone
Patricia Pratt (Captain), Alice Fellie, Fatu Conteh, Emma Kamara, Katty Kamara, Susan Sesay, Isha Kariatu Bangura, Mariama Jalloh, Jennifer French, Isatu Alimatu Bah, Ramatu Kamara, Theres B. Tommy, Mary Kamara, Jatu Turay
MATCH SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, August 21:
9.30am – Malawi Vs Eswatini at Gahanga 1
9.30am – Mozambique Vs Botswana at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Lesotho Vs Kenya at Gahanga 1
1.50pm – Malawi Vs Sierra Leone at Gahanga 2
Coutesy Photos
