Six African teams will feature in the 7th Kwibuka Memorial Tournament starting June 6

Over the years, cricket as a sport has garnered tremendous popularity as it is no longer played by just 10-12 countries but certainly more than that. Clear evidence of cricket spreading its wings far and wide is the Kwibuka Memorial tournament, which is already in its seventh year.

This year the competition will be played in Kigali, Rwanda, and see six African countries, namely, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda locking horns against each other. Out of the six teams, three teams; Botswana, Namibia, and Nigeria will play their maiden tournament.

The teams are divided into two groups; Group A consisting of Botswana, Rwanda, and Uganda, and Group B featuring Kenya, Namibia, and Nigeria. A total of 14 matches will be played from June 6 to June 12. Each team will play four matches in the group stage with the runner-up team of each group playing the third place playoff and the winner of each group will play the finals.

Uganda is the highest-ranked team at the tournament and therefore there is more to play for at the tournament as a good performance should give Uganda a better ranking. The Lady Cricket Cranes as the Uganda team is called have won this annual event in 2014 and 2016. Kwibuka will be the first tournament for the team since Covid struck in 2020 and it’s also their first competitive tournament since the dismal show in Zimbabwe in 2019.

Schedule of KWIBUKA T20 Women’s Tournament 2021

*local time

KWIBUKA T20 Women’s Tournament Full Squad:

Botswana

Laura Mophakedi (C) , Florence Samanyika (vc), Tebagano Ditshotlo, Botho Freeman, Onneile Keitsemang, Jacqueline Kgang, Bontle Madimabe, Precious Modimo, Thapelo Modise, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Collin Mokibel, Shameelah Mosweu, Tebogo Motlhabaphuti, Botsogo Mpedi, Tuelo Shadrack

Namibia 

Irene van Zyl (C) , Yasmeen Khan (vc), Arrasta Diergaardt, Didi Foerster, Mezerly Gorases, Kayleen Green, Victoria Hamunyela, Reehana Khan, Wilka Mwatile, Sylvia Shihepo, Namusha Shiomwenyo, Adri van der Merwe, Edelle van Zyl, Sune Wittmann

Nigeria 

Samantha Agazuma (C) , Kehinde Abdulquadri, Omonye Asika, Mary Desmond, Joy Efosa, Favour Eseigbe, Blessing Etim, Abigail Igbobie, Miracle Imimole, Piety Lucky, Blessing Nwobodo, Agatha Obulor, Racheal Samson, Esther Sandy, Salome Sunday

Rwanda 

Sarah Uwera (C) , Marie Bimenyimana, Diane Dusabemungu, Alice Ikuzwe, Flora Irakoze, Sifa Ingabire, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Delphine Mukarurangwa, Belyse Murekatete, Josiane Nyirankundineza, Cathia Uwamahoro, Margueritte Vumiliya

Kenya 

Squad will be announced soon

Uganda

Naomi Kayondo (c), Rachael Acan, Mary Akello, Prosscovia Alako, Irene Alumo, Evelyn Anyipo, Concy Aweko, Kevin Awino, Teddy Ayella, Damalie Busingye, Esther Iluko, Eunice Kobusingye, Patricia Malemikia, Janet Mbabazi, Rita Musamali, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Stephani Nampiina, Racheal Ntono, Gloria Obukor, Shakira Sadick

Juili Ballal

I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.