Ground Support: Cricket For A Cause In Rwanda

In the heart of Kigali is a cricket stadium transforming lives and where young people are finding hope, purpose and opportunity.

Just 12 kilometers east of Kigali’s bustling city center, where real estate developments, commerce, and technology dominate the landscape, lies a contrasting haven. Here, the sounds of urban life give way to the chatter of children, their laughter carried by the crisp air as they dart across a lush green field. Feet pound the grass, the coach calls out instructions, and a young player dives to catch a brightly-colored cricket ball mid-air, prompting an eruption of cheers and chants of “Howzat!”

What might appear at first glance to be a typical sports ground is anything but. This is Gahanga Cricket Stadium, a unique nexus of youth development, inclusion, and education. Beneath its striking thatched roof – a nod to Rwandan architectural heritage – is a story of resilience and hope, a place where a game of cricket has become a tool for building brighter futures.

The journey to Gahanga began with Christopher Shale, a British businessman and cricket enthusiast, who spent years in Rwanda without access to a proper cricket facility.

Shale dreamed of creating a home for cricket in Rwanda, one that would be open to all, regardless of background. Tragically, Shale passed away in 2011, but his vision endured through the efforts of his family, friends, and the charity, Cricket Builds Hope.

Read more: https://www.forbesafrica.com/sport/2025/01/08/ground-support-cricket-for-a-cause-in-rwanda/