Kenya start Barthes Trophy title defence against rivals Uganda

The 2021 Rugby Africa Barthes Cup action between Kenya U20 and Senegal U20.[Courtesy-KRU]

Kenya’s Chipu launch their title defence against regional rivals Uganda as the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy gets underway this Saturday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

 The tournament, which serves as Africa’s U20 championship features eight teams and will be played on a knockout basis over three match days. 

 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.

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 neighbors Uganda in the final quarterfinal fixture.

The winner between Chipu and Uganda will face the winner of the Madagascar and Zambia clash in the semi-final due on April 13.

On the other hand, former champions Namibia take on Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday with the winner earning a semi-final date with either Tunisia or Zimbabwe.

KCB head coach Curtis Olago will be banking on Chipu to perform well after last year’s heroics saw them complete a successful title defence in June when they beat Madagascar 21-20 in the decisive duel.

Kenya lifted the title in 2019 with a 21-18 win over Namibia during the final played at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka, Nairobi.

Meanwhile, this year’s tournament is open to the public. Regular tickets will retail at Ksh 300 with VIP tickets retailing at Sh1000 per match day. Further ticketing information will be released in a subsequent communication.

Saturday Fixtures (All matches at Nyayo Stadium)

Namibia v Cote d’Ivoire-9am

Tunisia v Zimbabwe-11.30am

Madagascar v Zambia-2pm

Kenya v Uganda-4.30pm