USA based Will Otondi looking forward to Kenya Chipu debut

USA based William Otondi, who was included in the final 28-man Kenya Chipu squad that will represent the country in the 2023 U20 Barthes Trophy set to be played at Nyayo National Stadium from 22-30 April has expressed his delight in being given the opportunity to feature in the junior 15s side.

The youngster, who plays for Binghamton University in the USA National Collegiate Rugby Div 1-AA national competition where he is among the top ranked players, was handed his maiden call up as the team plays hosts to the continental junior competition featuring eight teams.

“I am very happy and I feel very accomplished to have gotten this chance. Aside from being appreciative of this opportunity, I feel confident that I will represent Kenya to the best of my abilities and I will play well for this team,” the player told Mozzart Sport.

“My focus right now is on learning the system because my body right now is in shape. I just need to build chemistry with the other forwards and some of the backs,” he noted.

Looking forward to the start of the competition where Kenya will play their opening match against Uganda in the fourth quarter final on Saturday evening, Otondi, who plays in the backrow sounded a warning to his opponents as he painted a picture of his style of play.

“If I have the ball in my hands it is a problem for the other team. I run hard and I have good hands so I can run and can move the ball as well,” the confident youngster stated.

With Kenya seeking to reclaim their crown after finishing third behind eventual champions Zimbabwe and Namibia, Otondi set his focus on making the Championship final as the team uses the tournament as a buildup to the World Rugby Junior Trophy that will be held in the country later in July.

“I want to do better than third this year. I want to make it to the finals. This will also be a great opportunity to be preparing for the World Rugby Junior Trophy and if this goes well that tournament would be a great thing to come back for in July.

I feel good. I have been here a couple of times already so I am kind of used to coming here and I am just looking forward to training and gelling with the team,” he said.

With Kenya Chipu having been a grooming area for players such as Beldad Ogeta, Geoffrey Okwach, John Okoth, Ian Masheti, Samuel Asati and Timothy Omela who have since gone on to feature for the senior Kenya Simbas, Otondi revealed his desire of making the transition into the future.

“I would love to move upto playing with the Simbas. Right now, I am just trying to do my best and improve as much as possible but in the long term that is one of the goals I have,” he concluded.

Three year ban for Chess Cheat

The Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Cup, whose winner will qualify for the World Rugby Junior Trophy, returns to Nairobi for a fourth time this April bringing together defending champions Zimbabwe, last year’s beaten finalists Namibia, hosts Kenya and Madagascar.

Other teams that will be in Nairobi include Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia and the Ivory Coast.

Final Squad

Raymond Chacha (Strathmore Leos), George Otieno (Shamas), Gaylord Ngasi (Daystar Falcons), Eugene Etale (Unattached), Stanslous Shikoli (Strathmore Leos), Laban Kipsang (Kenya Harlequin, Captain), Iddo Kuta (Kenya Harlequin), William Otondi (Binghampton University, USA), Patrick Wainaina (Kenya Harlequin), Eddy Wambugu (Daystar Falcons), Raphael Wanga (Zetech Oaks), Felix Chacha Masega ( Mwamba), Mike Wamalwa (Catholic Monks), David Mwangi (Kenya Harlequin), Victor Mola (Strathmore Leos), Jeremy Odhiambo (Catholic Monks), Brian Makaya (Mean Machine), Wycliffe Ogutu (Daystar Falcons), James Asanga (Menengai Oilers), Jacktone Omondi (Kabras Sugar), Zephenes OBwanga (Catholic Monks), Faran Juma (Kenya Harlequin), Claude Kennedy (Blak Blad), Dennis Kisungu (Strathmore Leos), Mike Oduor (Daystar Falcons), Ahona Victor (Blak Blad), John Asega ( South Coast Pirates), Brian Mwendwa ( Strathmore Leos)