Kenya's team to Kwibuka T20 tournament revealed

Cricket Kenya has named a squad of 14 players that will represent Kenya in the annual Kwibuka T20 memorial ladies tournament scheduled for 9-17 June at the Gahanga International Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

In a press statement released by Kenya’s Director of Women's Cricket Pearlyne Omamo on Monday, the Lionesses team for the five-nation tourney will be captained by veteran player Esther Wangare - who comes in to replace retired skipper Sharon Juma in Kenya’s last competition.

Acting as vice captain will be 17 year old Melvin Khagoitsa who will be taking up the place of Wangare - the deputy captain in the Victoria Series in Uganda earlier this year.

Following the reported story by Mozzart Sport about the squad undergoing a rejig to include some younger players and replace some veterans, some of the changes will see the return of former skipper Queentor Abel to the fold, with Daisy Njoroge being left out.

The other slight change is the inclusion of Mary Wambui and Judith Adhiambo to the team and the duo of Mercy Ahono and Faith Mwende falling to the reserves.

Francis Otieno is expected to be the team’s head coach with David Asiji acting as his assistant.

The Kenya women’s side kick-started their season last month when they played in the Victoria Cup T20 Series in Uganda where they finished fifth with no wins in the four-nation tournament that was eventually won by neighboring Uganda.

Having won the competition a record four times, Kenya will be among the favorites in the ninth edition of the Kwibuka tournament that will also include hosts Rwanda, two-time champs Uganda, Botswana - making their second appearance - and Nigeria.

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Defending champions Tanzania, who saw off Kenya in last year’s final courtesy of a 44-runs victory, will however be missing from this year’s competition.

The first match for the Lionesses will be on 10 June against Uganda, a doubleheader against Rwanda and Nigeria on 11 June before wrapping up the first round of the double round-robin fixtures against Botswana on 12 June.

FULL SQUAD: Esther Wangare (C), Melvin Khagoitsa (VC), Queentor Abel, Vanessa Adhiambo, Tiara Charity, Lavenda Alivitsa, Mary Wambui, Monica Ndhambi, Flavia Atieno, Marion Juma, Kelvia Ogolla, Lynz Nabwire, Ann Wanjira, Judith Adhiambo.

RESERVES: Mercy Ahono, Faith Mwende.