Kenya Chipu out to reclaim U20 Barthes Trophy in final against Zimbabwe

The national U20 rugby side Kenya Chipu will be seeking to reclaim the U20 Barthes Trophy they lost last year when they face defending champions Zimbabwe in the final of the 2023 edition set to take place on Sunday evening at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Curtis Olago coached side, who bowed out in the semifinals in 2022 following a 5-16 loss against Namibia, successfully booked their place in the championship decider after getting a 24-13 revenge victory against Namiibia in this year’s semi. This is after the team swept aside neighbours Uganda 44-20 in the quarterfinal.

Ahead of the match, Chipu, who are led by Kenya Harlequin lock Laban Kipsang, rallied on home fans to turn up in large numbers to roar on the team to victory as he backed his side to reclaim the title after good preparations.

“We are asking Kenyans to come out in large numbers for the final in support of the team. We are coming hard and more tactical this time. We are not under any pressure and we believe what the technical bench has taught us is enough to win this trophy and be the champions of Africa,” the captain said.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe who won the title last year after beating Namibia 19-14, will be hoping to go back to back in the tournament.

While Kenya will be chasing a fourth title, Zimbabwe, under the guidance of Shaun de Souza will be closing in on a fifth crown after dominating in the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2022 editions.

The final between Kenya and Zimbabwe will be preceded by ranking matches for positions three to eight.

Third-place play-off pits Namibia against Tunisia while Cote d’Ivoire battle Zambia for fifth-place. Uganda and Madagascar will contend for seventh-place.

Matchday Squads

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Zimbabwe

1. Ngobile Manyara 2. Bryan Chiang 3. Tadiwa Chinwada 4. Huntley Materson 5. Tanaka GondoMukandapi (VC) 6. Tanaka Ndoro 7. Muzuva Gutu 8. Allan Mawunga 9. Panashe Zuze (C) 10. Brendan Marume (VC) 11. Edward Sigauke 12. Alex Nyamunda 13. Dion Khumalo 14. Simbarashe Kanyangarara 15. Benoni Nhekairo

Replacements: 16. Stanely Muraganwa 17. Garry Zisengwe 18. Gealan Jaricho 19. Leo Mutendi 20. Taonaishe Mapani 21. Shadreck Mandaza 22. Tanaka Chinyanga 23. Tawanayasha Bwanya

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Kenya

1. Geylord Ngasi 2. Mike Oduor 3. Raymond Chacha 4. Eugene Etale 5. Laban Kipsang’ (C) 6. Iddo Kuta 7. Jacktone Omondi 8. James Asanga 9. Zephenes Obwanga 10. Patrick Wainaina 11. Victor Odhiambo 12. Kennedy Claude 13. Raphael Wanga 14. Mike Wamalwa 15. Eddy Wambugu

Replacements: 16. George Otieno 17. Brian Makaya 18. Dennis Kisingu 19. Stanislaus Shikoli 20. William Otondi 21. Edmond Omondi 22. Brian Mwendwa 23. Chacha Masega

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