Kigali, Rwanda – June 3, 2025.
Kigali, Rwanda – June 3, 2025 – With elegance, unity, and vibrant energy, the heart of Kigali was momentarily transformed into a cricketing catwalk as captains of eight nations participating in the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament graced the city’s iconic Car-Free Zone for a spirited pre-tournament photoshoot.
Led by Uganda’s inspirational skipper Janet Mbabazi, the captains from Brazil, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe Emerging, Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, hosts Rwanda, and Uganda arrived in style, escorted from the renowned Gahanga International Stadium by police convoy. Malawi, the ninth team in the tournament lineup, missed the session due to a delayed arrival.
The hour-long “Captains’ Run Shoot” was anything but ordinary. Against the backdrop of the striking “KIGALI” landmark, a symbol of Rwanda’s unity and rebirth post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the shoot merged sporting excellence with cultural expression. Passersby, tourists, and local residents watched in awe as athletes posed, laughed, and mingled , turning Kigali’s pedestrian haven into a stage of joy, pride, and anticipation.
Mbabazi, speaking at the official Pre-Tournament Press Conference later at Gahanga, reflected the determined spirit of the reigning champions:
“The bond among captains is special. We respect each other, but we’re also here to play fearless cricket. We’re ready to defend our crown.”
The Car-Free Zone—a modern space known for open-air concerts, health events, and art installations, provided a poignant location. Its eco-conscious design and inclusive public spirit mirror the very ethos of the Kwibuka initiative, which uses sport to honor genocide victims while promoting healing, hope, and empowerment.
Running from June 3 to 14, the 2025 tournament will follow a round-robin format, where all nine teams will face off once. The top four will progress to the semifinals on June 13, ahead of the grand finale on June 14.
The Victoria Pearls, backed by LycaMobile and aiming for their fourth title, will kick off their campaign against Cameroon on June 4, before facing off in a potentially tournament-defining clash with Zimbabwe Emerging on June 5.
As Kigali prepares to host thrilling cricket action, the captains’ vibrant outing has set the tone for a tournament that blends competition with commemoration, and unity with ambition.
