Kenya Harlequin lock Laban Kipsang will captain the Kenya U-20 squad, popularly known as Chipu at this year's Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy that takes place at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium from 22-30 April 2023.
Kipsang is one of four returning players in the squad named by coach Curtis Olago yesterday at the team's training base at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka.
The other returning players from the squad that finished third at last year's tournament are Mwamba's Felix Chacha, Dave Mwangi of Kenya Harlequin and Strathmore Leos' Stanslous Shikoli.
William Otondi who plays for Binghamton University in the USA has been named in the 28-man squad and will link up with the team on Saturday 15 April.
Commenting on this year's squad, Olago, a former Kenya international centre said: "We go in a bit green because of inexperience as only three players will be back with the team selected for this year. Nonetheless, it is a group comprising of very good players who have worked hard so far. We only have a few areas to polish and we will be ready for our rivals."
Olago also spoke about the competition, and particularly the threats posed by defending champions Zimbabwe and last year's beaten finalists, Namibia, saying, "We know the challenge posed by Namibia and Zimbabwe who have been training since last year but our work is be creative around our situation and come up with the best winning formula."
Chipu Squad:
Raymond Chacha, Stanslous Shikoli, Victor Mola, Dennis Kisungu, Brian Mwendwa (Strathmore Leos), George Otieno (Shamas), Gaylord Ngasi, Eddy Wambugu, Wycliffe Ogutu, Mike Oduor (Daystar Falcons), Eugene Etale (Unattached), Laban Kipsang (Kenya Harlequin, Captain), Iddo Kuta, Patrick Wainaina, David Mwangi, Faran Juma (Kenya Harlequin), William Otondi (Binghampton University, USA), Raphael Wanga (Zetech Oaks), Felix Chacha Masega (Mwamba), Mike Wamalwa, Jeremy Odhiambo, Zephenes OBwanga (Catholic Monks), Brian Makaya (Mean Machine), James Asanga (Menengai Oilers), Jacktone Omondi (Kabras Sugar), Claude Kennedy, Ahona Victor (Blak Blad), John Asega ( South Coast Pirates)
