Ntirenganya makes early impact in Zimbabwe’s NPL T20 Blast
RWANDA all-rounder Ignace Ntirenganya has taken seven wickets in his first two matches in Zimbabwe’s National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast. His national team coach Lawrence Mahatlane said the stint is helping him perform away from home.
Ntirenganya, who plays for Midlands-based side Rimuka in the competition, took 5/18 in four overs against defending champions Gladiators on Thursday as Rimuka won their opening match. He followed that with 2/8 from two overs against Mbizo on Friday, when Rimuka won by 104 runs at Takashinga Cricket Club.
Mahtlana, head coach of Rwanda Cricket Association men’s team, said the player had put in the work before the tournament.
“He has worked very hard on his game,” Mahatlane told Cricket Africa, adding that he was “very happy with where his game is at, at the moment”.
Asked what he hoped Ntirenganya would gain from the stint, Mahtlana pointed to the experience of playing outside Rwanda.
“Confidence and experiencing a new environment. Being able to perform away from the comforts of home,” he said.
Ntirenganya is one of two Rwandan players in the competition, alongside Oscar Manishimwe, who has been placed at Eastern Titans. They are among eight players from Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania taking part this season under a Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) regional development programme. The programme gives emerging players from Associate nations regular matches in a more competitive environment.
Mahatlane said the Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) valued the opportunity.
“It means a lot to us at RCA and we are very grateful to ZCU for giving the boys this opportunity,” he said.
“They will be able to share their experience with the rest of the squad and I am sure they will make friends and build networks for themselves.”
He said such partnerships were important for Associate nations with limited resources.
“As associates we struggle to get all the necessary support structures,” Mahatlane said.
He added that “a partnership like this goes a long way in helping all of us get better”.
ZC managing director Givemore Makoni and board chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani issued the invitations to the four countries. Mukuhlani also chairs the Africa Cricket Association and is deputy chairperson of the International Cricket Council.
When the players arrived, Uganda Cricket Association president Jackson Kavuma said he hoped they would “return as better and more improved players” and share what they learned with teammates at home.
The NPL T20 Blast, Zimbabwe’s premier club T20 competition, is in its fifth season.
