Africa-Press – Rwanda. The Italian women’s national cricket team are stepping into unfamiliar territory in Kigali, not just at a new tournament, but an entirely new cricketing experience.
For many within the Italian camp, the ICC Women Challenge Trophy marks their first time competing outside of Europe, adding an extra layer of excitement and uncertainty ahead of the competition.
“It was a long journey most of us spent the rest of the day in bed,” admitted head coach Sean Trouw, reflecting on the team arrival.
But fatigue quickly gave way to admiration.
“Kigali is incredible. The people are so friendly it’s a very unique experience,” he said, describing their first impressions of Rwanda.
For Trouw, the trip carries personal significance. “This is the first time I’ve been outside Europe in my 47 years. I can’t believe it,” he shared.
Italy were the first to arrive in the country on Monday, April 13, ahead of the tournament which is scheduled for April 18 to May 1 at Gahanga Cricket Stadium. They will join four other countries—Vanuatu, the United States, Nepal and hosts Rwanda—for the five-team battle of the trophy.
Italy’s first training session at Gahanga Cricket Stadium offered a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Under the Kigali sun, players began adjusting to conditions very different from those back home.
“The sun was out, it was quite warm this is something new for many of us,” Trouw explained. “But the session went very well. It’s just about getting into rhythm after the long trip.”
The experience extended beyond cricket. From children joining training sessions to locals interacting with the team, the atmosphere left a strong impression.
For team captain Emilia Bartram, the moment is just as significant. “This is the first time we’ve played outside Europe, so for many of us, it’s our first world tournament,” she said.
Despite the new environment, the team spirit remains high. “The team is very united the energy is good, and we trained well today,” Bartram told Times Sport, highlighting the positive mood within the squad.
While Italy acknowledges the learning curve ahead, their ambition remains clear.
“Our expectations are just to get into the game and build our strategy over these three weeks,” said Trouw. “But we’re in a good place.”
And when asked about the ultimate objective, his answer was simple. “We have the experience, ultimately it is to win [the trophy],” he said.
Bartram echoed the same mindset, saying, “We always want to win but we’re also here for the experience and to enjoy it.”
As the tournament approaches, Italy’s journey in Rwanda is already about more than results. It is about discovery, adaptation, and stepping onto a broader international stage.
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