Kenya’s under-20 rugby team, Chipu, is gearing up for a high-stakes final against Zimbabwe in the Barthes Cup, set to take place in Harare this Sunday.
The teams are neck and neck, each boasting 10 points from their victories over Tunisia and Namibia, with Kenya holding a slight advantage with a points difference of +45 compared to Zimbabwe’s +37.
Chipu’s journey to the final was marked by a nail-biting 36-28 win against Namibia and a commanding 56-17 triumph over Tunisia. The upcoming final is a rematch of last year’s clash at Nyayo Stadium, where Zimbabwe emerged victorious.
Simon Jawichre, the head coach of Kenya’s squad, anticipates a challenging match but remains confident in his team’s preparation. “It’s all about getting the basics right. If we can secure possession and play strategically, we stand a strong chance of winning,” he stated.
Pride is evident in Jawichre’s voice as he speaks of his team, which he considers one of the best-selected squads in Kenya’s under-20 history. “We’ve come a long way, and our progress is a testament to our hard work and faith. The pressure is on, but we’re ready to rise to the occasion,” he added.
For the final showdown, Jawichre is counting on a proven lineup. The forwards, who have shown dominance in scrums and lineouts, will see Darrel Oluoch, Bramwell Anekea, and Geylord Ngasi in the front row, supported by locks Eugene Etale and Andycole Omolo. The back row will feature Captain Edmond Omondi, Nathan Tsindoli, and Iddo Kuta.
The backs will be led by Patrick Wainiana at scrum-half and Faran Juma at flyhalf, with Michael Wamalwa and Daniel Kipchirchir forming the midfield partnership. The back three will include the dynamic winger Alvin Khavoli, alongside Brian Kiptanui and James Olela.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 pm East Africa Time, with a coveted spot in the 2024 World Rugby U-20 Trophy in Edinburgh at stake.
