Rwanda U19 head coach Kenneth Bugingo believes taking part in the ICC U19 Males's Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2 on house soil offers his aspect a robust probability of securing a spot in what could be their second look on the international event.
The qualifying spherical for Division 2 nations will happen in Kigali from August 9 to fifteen, with three qualification spots accessible for the subsequent stage, Division 1.
ALSO READ: Kigali to host six-nation U19 Cricket World Cup Africa qualifier
Bugingo mentioned his gamers have been getting ready for a number of months to make sure they’re prepared for the problem.
“We began our preparations in February after deciding on the U19 squad,” Bugingo informed Occasions Sport.
As a part of their preparations, Rwanda travelled to Uganda in Could for a collection of warm-up matches in opposition to Uganda U19 and different consultant sides.
“We performed six matches throughout our preparation. The target was to construct the fitting mixture of gamers and expose them to worldwide cricket. It additionally helped us perceive the extent required to compete,” he mentioned.
One of many workforce's largest priorities, Bugingo defined, has been serving to gamers transition from the T20 format to the 50-over sport that might be used all through the event.
“In our home leagues, most gamers compete within the shorter T20 format. Our focus has been serving to them alter to the longer format, enhancing their stamina, focus and skill to construct innings over 50 overs,” he famous.
Rwanda has been drawn alongside Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Mozambique, with each match carrying important weight within the race for qualification.
Bugingo expects Uganda and Nigeria to supply the hardest assessments however harassed that not one of the opponents might be taken frivolously.
“Uganda are an excellent aspect, which is why we selected to play them throughout our preparation. Nigeria even have high quality gamers from earlier tournaments, whereas Sierra Leone, Ghana and Mozambique are all succesful groups. We’ve to be prepared for each opponent,” he mentioned.
Enjoying on house soil may show to be considered one of Rwanda's largest benefits, based on the coach.
ALSO READ: Ishimwe in UK for second stint with Odiham Cricket Membership
“Enjoying at house is certainly a bonus. We all know these grounds very effectively as a result of we play right here commonly, and having our supporters behind us offers the gamers further motivation,” he mentioned.
With qualification on the road, Bugingo mentioned the workforce's goal is evident.
“Our ambition is to qualify. We’re taking part in at house, we've ready effectively and now it's about delivering our greatest performances when the event begins.”
The event might be held in Kigali from August 9 to fifteen, with the highest three groups advancing to Division 1, the subsequent stage of the ICC U19 Males's Cricket World Cup qualification pathway.
