Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has named a 28-man squad to represent the country’s national Under 19 rugby team, affectionately known as Chipu, in the upcoming 2024 Barthes U20 Trophy tournament in Harare, Zimbabwe.
A mix of experienced players and promising debutants make up the team selected by Coach Simon Jawichre from various teams across the country, with 9 of them players from the squad that participated in the WU20s last year.
Edmond Omondi will lead the Chipu squad as captain, while other returning players like Geylord Ngasi, Patrick Wainaina, and Andycole Omolo have also earned call-ups. Iddo Kuta, Faran Juma, Wicklife Ogutu, and Nathan Tsindoli are also among the experienced campaigners included in the team.
Alvin Khavoli and Philip Okeyo, who have been standout performers in the Kenya Cup for their club sides Menengai Oilers and Nakuru, have also made the cut for the 28-man Chipu squad.
The Barthes Trophy is the only junior tournament in Africa, with 8 national U20 teams competing for the prestigious title.
Addressing the significance of the tournament, KRU Acting CEO and Director of Rugby, Thomas Odundo, said, “The winner of the U20 Barthes Trophy goes on to the World U20 Trophy, so it is quite a big event as there will be only one qualifier from Africa.
“So it is up to us to put our best foot forward so that we can get there and represent this continent.”
The experienced players from the 2023 squad will undoubtedly play a crucial role in guiding the 19 debutants as Kenya’s Chipu looks to make a strong impression in the tournament.
This year’s Barthes Trophy tournament features four participating countries: hosts Zimbabwe, Kenya’s Chipu, Namibia, and Tunisia.
The 2024 edition is scheduled to take place from April 20 to 28 in Harare, Zimbabwe, where Chipu will face the host nation, Namibia, and Tunisia in their quest to secure the continental title and earn the right to represent Africa at the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024.
