As the game catches on in Rwanda one of its longest servants has called time on his playing career to allow the new kids to blossom. Eric Dusabemungu who is commonly known as “Tall Eric” has chosen to retire to focus on a career in coaching.
One of the pioneer players of the game in Rwanda, Eric has been a gallant and loyal servant of the game in the African nation. He was blessed with natural pace and could generate nasty bouncers with his height as his generation laid the foundation for the game in Rwanda.
He has been part of the national team set up for the last 14 years before taking over the captaincy in 2018. He lost some pace due to injuries over the years but his experience was still very valuable to the team as a stock bowler and also a hard-hitting lower-order batsman.
While speaking to the New Times Daily in Kigali Eric said:
“I have been playing in the national team with young players that I used to mentor. I now want to focus on building a coaching career, which I actually have already started,”
“I have been doing my best as a cricket player and part-time coach, this is the right moment to retire from playing so I can give ample time to my coaching career, produce more talents and give them a platform to shine.”
“I have been doing my best as a cricket player and part-time coach, this is the right moment to retire from playing so I can give ample time to my coaching career, produce more talents and give them a platform to shine.”
“The future is bright for Rwanda cricket, and I want to be part of the journey. I look forward to contributing to the development of the sport, particularly in women’s cricket. I want to see new talents growing and thriving more than I was ever able to.”
Eric Dusabemungu is already on the path to be a cricket coach with an assignment as the U19 girls’ coach as well as the Cricket Without Boundaries ambassador in Rwanda.
The journey for most former players is unclear especially in Associate nations where opportunities are very limited. Rwanda Cricket Association has done a great job in making sure that their former players stay within the system to help inspire the next generation of players.
Former Captain Eric Dusingizimana who Eric Dusabemungu replaced in 2018 is the current General Manager of the Gahanga Cricket Stadium.
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