Africa U-20 champs Chipu keeping feet on the ground
Kenya's Under 20 rugby side celebrate after retaining the Barthes Trophy after overpowering Madagascar 21-20 at Nyayo National Stadium on July 11, 2021.
What you need to know:
- Kenya head coach Curtis Olago said that he expects all opponents to be tough
- The 37-man squad comprises players from Kakamega, Nairobi, Nakuru, Kajiado, Machakos and Mombasa counties
- Hosts Kenya, who will open their campaign against neighbours Uganda in the last match of the day on Saturday, will unveil their final squad on Friday
Reigning champions Kenya are not underestimating any team heading into this year’s Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthes Trophy slated for April 9-17 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi
Speaking moments after Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Uganda, Namibia and Zimbabwe teams had arrived in Nairobi on Thursday, Kenya head coach Curtis Olago said that he expects all opponents to be tough.
“We don’t know much about our opponents because we have not seen them play for a long time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They are all tough opponents,” noted Olago after assembling his boys for the first time for light training at KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka.
The 37-man squad comprises players from Kakamega, Nairobi, Nakuru, Kajiado, Machakos and Mombasa counties.
Hosts Kenya, who will open their campaign against neighbours Uganda in the last match of the day on Saturday, will unveil their final squad on Friday.
Friday has also been set aside for the Captain’s Run for the eight nations competing. Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Zambia were expected later on Thursday.
Kenya’s national under-20 men’s team famously known as Chipu, have won the last two editions held in Nairobi. Chipu hammered Tunisia 73-0 in the semi-finals and then stunned heavyweights Namibia 21-18 in the 2019 final at KCB Sports Club. The 2020 edition did not take place due to Covid-19.
Chipu retained the title last year by defeating Madagascar narrowly 21-20 in the final at Nyayo. Both teams had easily defeated Senegal in the tournament that was played in round-robin format.
Kenya mauled Senegal 53-0, while Madagascar beat the West Africans 34-3 to set up the entertaining final. Last year’s tournament was initially set to involve four national teams but Namibia withdrew due to Covid-19.
Regular tickets will cost Sh300 with VIP tickets retailing at Sh1,000 per match day.
Chipu provisional squad
Anthony Dimba, Stanislaus Shikholi, Joseph Ayiro, Raymond Chacha (Strathmore Leos), Mathias Osimbo (Sigalagala), Cornelius Mokoro, Wilhite Mususi, Vincent Omondi, Patrick Nyaga, (Kenya Harlequin), Pesian Elvis Kolian, Roy Mulievi, Tyson Juma Maina, Tony Owino Oketch (Menengai Oilers), Charles Odhiambo Omoro (Nondescripts), Samuel Mwaura (Topfry Nakuru), Felix Chacha (Mwamba), Paywick Munoko (Masinde Muliro), Bill Abuom, Brian Makaya (Mean Machine), David Mwangi (Laiser Hill Academy), John Baraka (Kabras Sugar), Gilbert Ogutu, Craig Odhiambo, Anderson Oduor (Resolution Impala Saracens), Solomon Maleu, Allan Zaddock, Malvin Nganga (Homeboyz), Laban Kipsang (Eldoret), Augustine Owino, Meshack Ochieng, Randy Odhiambo, Emmanuel Opondo (Daystar Falcons), Brian Otieno (Comras), Idd Gaguma, Adnan Juma (South Coast Pirates), Nicholas Otieno Okullo (Blak Blad)
