Chipu to receive Ksh300,000 each for Barthes Cup victory

Kenya's U20 national rugby team, Chipu, are celebrating more than just their thrilling victory at the 2024 Rugby Africa Barthes Cup. Each team member will be awarded 300,000 Kenyan shillings in recognition of their exceptional performance.

This financial boost comes after Chipu secured a hard-fought 28-13 win against Zimbabwe's Junior Sables in the Barthes Cup final held in Harare in April.

The victory not only marked sweet revenge for previous defeats to their rivals but also booked their ticket to the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland.

Speaking during a dinner ceremony before their departure, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba revealed that the prize money had been a long time coming.

The CS promised that they would be rewarded just like their elder brothers, Shujaa, who received a whopping Ksh5.7 million after returning Kenya to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series.

“I know you have been wondering if we forgot about you. But I want to confirm that you will be rewarded for the Barthes Cup victory. Arrangements are almost complete and you will be rewarded the standardized Ksh300,000 per person. We cherish sports and we want it to pay well. We want to revamp rugby and make it a major sport in the country,” the CS offered.

The team’s captain, Edmond Omondi, welcomed the gesture, noting that it would go a long way in clearing their school fees and different needs.

“On behalf of the team, I want to thank the CS for the confirmation. Some of us are still students, and if we get the money, we will pay our school fees and help our parents,” Omondi said.

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Chipu's sense of accomplishment is set to be further amplified by a special token of appreciation.

Following their participation in the global tournament, the young stars will be permitted to keep their jerseys.

This gesture will foster a powerful sense of belonging and pride, serving as a constant reminder of their achievements and their place in Kenyan rugby history.

The team departed from the country on June 27. They will tackle Uruguay in their opener on Tuesday, July 2, at 4:30 p.m. E.A.T.

In their second match, Chipu will face the Netherlands on Sunday, July 7, at 9:45 p.m. E.A.T. Their final pool match will be against the USA on Friday, July 12, 2024.

Chipu will be keen to improve on their sixth-place finish from last year’s edition.

They have been camping at the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) and had joint training sessions with their elder brothers, Simbas.

In Pool A, host Scotland will compete against Japan, Hong Kong, and Samoa.

Teams will play in a round-robin format during the group stage to determine the final pool rankings.

The final rankings will determine the matchups: the pool toppers will compete in the final, runners-up will face off in the bronze final, third-placed teams will battle for fifth place, and the bottom-placed teams will compete for seventh place.

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CHIPU SQUAD:

Darrel Oluoch, Ian Nyandusi, Bramwel Mate, Brian Shile, Geylord Ngasi, Hafidh Mohammed, Eugene Etali, Cleyn Okumbi, Andycole Omolo, Eddy Otieno, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Willy Tino, Edmond Omondi, Patrick Wainaina, Benedict Muiruri, Faran Juma, Philip Okeyo, Alvin Khavoli, Brian Kiptoo, Dennis Ndayala, Kipchirchir Bett, Elvis Otete, Eugene Ojiambo, Jackson Siketi, Michael Wamalwa, James Olela

NON-TRAVELLING RESERVES:

Jeffrey Namiti, John Asega, Jeff Maina, Rogers Omanyi

MANAGEMENT:

Simon Jawichre (Head Coach), Qondani Katywa (Assistant Coach), Kenny Andola (Assistant Coach), Williams Motto (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Philip Wamae (Team Manager), Wacera Githua (Assistant Team Manager), Aysha Omar (Team Doctor), Samuel Ochieng