Rugby: Kenya Chipu upbeat ahead of Barthes Trophy kick off on Saturday
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Apr 08, 2022
Kenya Chipu are confident of defending their title when this year’s Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthes Trophy kicks off on Saturday at Nyayo Stadium.
Chipu Conditioning coach Motto Williams said they are ready to defend the title despite having to work with limited time.
“We are ready. No matter what. To represent over 50million Kenyans comes with some huge responsibilities especially with the players being teenagers. However, we have given them good guidance and we expect them not to succumb to pressure.”
“We agree this year’s tourney is different with last year’s event which had few participants. It is going to be a tough one but we are going to give our best and try and win the title,” said Williams.
There will be four quarterfinal fixtures on Saturday with the semifinals set for Wednesday, April 13 at the same venue. The finals will be played on Sunday next week.
READ MORE
Two men, same name, same land: 30yr court battle heads for supreme court
From aid to enterprise: Refugee businesses expand East Africa's economy
Ruto rewards Sawe Sh8m, car for breaking London marathon record
Over 300 people displaced as heavy rains batter Mombasa
New 2030 plan targets billions in financing for farmers and MSMEs
Maina named Vision 2030 acting director
New initiative to increase accessibility to spectacles launched
Kenya's path to first-world status requires civic reform
To get it right, let us start right: How Kenya can best reclaim Vision 2030
Former champions Namibia will get the tournament underway when they face Cote d’Ivoire in the opening fixture, paving the way for the second clash between Tunisia and Zimbabwe.
Madagascar, losing finalists in 2021 will take on Zambia in the day’s third fixture before hosts and defending champions Kenya take on next-door neighbours Uganda in the final quarterfinal fixture.
Kenya have won the last two editions held in Nairobi. Chipu 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.