Eyes on title as Chipu face Zimbabwe in Barthes Cup decider
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 28.04.24. | 08:08
It is not the first time Zimbabwe and Chipu are meeting. They met during the 2023 Barthes Cup finals at the Nyayo Stadium where Junior Sables knocked out the Kenyans 28-7 to win the tournament
Kenya U20 national team, Chipu are gearing up for a tough task when they face defending champions Zimbabwe in the Barthes Cup title decider at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday 28 April 2024.
Both teams have amassed 10 points after two victories. Chipu however have an edge over their opponents with a superior point difference.
They started the campaign with a 36-28 victory over Namibia before whitewashing Tunisia 56-17 in their second pool match.
It is not the first time Zimbabwe and Chipu are meeting. They met during the 2023 Barthes Cup finals at the Nyayo Stadium where Junior Sables knocked out the Kenyans 28-7 to win the tournament.
They also locked horns during the World Rugby U20 trophy fifth-place match where Zimbabwe dismantled Chipu 64-10.
A slot at the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy scheduled for July in Edinburgh, Scotland is also at stake besides the bragging rights and title.
Speaking ahead of the match, Chipu’s head coach Simon Jawichre says he anticipates an uphill task from the Sables. He was however confident that his charges will live up to the billing.
“It's a final and if we do the basics well by winning the piece and playing in the right areas, then we can be in a good position to win the match," he said.
Jawichre who also doubles up as the Catholic Monks coach is hopeful that the side will play according to instructions.
"I'm extremely proud of the boys. This is probably one of the best carefully selected squads for Kenya U-20. With time, we can only get better. We planned several things and this time round, a lot of things worked, thanks be to God. I believe many wrote us off and unfortunately, the expectations are going to rise. We will take it in our stride and keep working," the tactician averred.
Meanwhile, Jawichre has made a couple of changes ahead of the match.
After two appearances off the bench, Willy Tino and Philip Okeyo will be in the starting team. Tino slots into the back row in place of team captain Edmond Omondi who is ruled out of Sunday’s clash through injury.
Utility back Okeyo starts at the inside center with Michael Wamalwa shifted to the outside center.
Daniel Kipchirchir, who started the first two matches in midfield will be on the right wing, replacing the injured Alvin Khavoli.
Eddy Otieno and Elvis Otieno could potentially make their first appearances of the tournament after being named on the bench.
Chipu Squad
1.Darrel Olouch, 2.Bramwel Anekea, 3.Wycliffe Ogutu, 4.Eugene Etale, 5.Clein Okumbi, 6.Willy Tino, 7. Andycole Omolo 8.Iddo Kuta, 9. Patrick Wainana, 10.Jackson Siketi, 11. Daniel Kipchirchir, 12. Philip Okeyo 13. Daniel Kipchirchir, 14.Brian Kiptanui, 15.James Olela
Replacement: Brian Shile, Geylord Ngasi, Ian Nyandusi, Nathan Tsindoli, Eddy Otieno, Benadict Muiruri, Faran Juma, Philip Okeyo
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