Western Province spinner Emmanuel Sebareme has expressed ambition to represent Rwanda in the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier tournament in September 2021, according to head coach Martin Suji.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Rwandan parents, Sebareme was capped 17 times by Western Province from 2015 and 2017. He played for the South African province four times at first-class level – and featured in the Africa T20 Cup.
“He has been playing in South Africa and he’s now interested in representing Rwanda – his motherland. He said that he’s keen to come and fight for a place which is really good,” Suji told Times Sport.
“Because of Covid-19, I was not able to assess some of his videos on how he was playing. It looks good but looking good on videos and seeing him doing it again with our players is another thing. I would give him the same opportunity that I give my players, then I will be able to select the best.
“There is nothing automatic, it’s a process. He has to come and show how good he is, so the boys can appreciate that he is in the team.
“I spoke to Emmanuel and if there is any other player, anyone who can help us to go to the T20 World Cup, they are most welcome. I haven’t closed the doors for anyone.”
Sebareme was registered for last month’s Cape Premier League player auction, but was not purchased by any of the eight teams for the 2021 tournament.
T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier format
The initial stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier tournament will feature host Rwanda, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Seychelles and Uganda in group A – and Botswana, Cameroon, Mozambique, Saint Helena, Sierra Leone and Tanzania – in Group B.
The top two teams from each group will then contest the regional final round with Kenya and Nigeria. The International Cricket Council have granted the regional final matches T20 international status.
Teams are attempting to qualify for the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.