Chipu face Zimbabwe in a winner-take-all clash in the Barthes Cup final in Harare on Sunday.
Both teams are tied on 10 points following two victories each over Tunisia and Namibia. The Kenyans have an edge with a superior points difference of +45 with the hosts on plus 37.
The Kenya Under-20 coach started their campaign with a hard-fought 36-28 victory over five-time champions Namibia before dismantling Tunisia 56-17 on Wednesday.
The final will be a repeat of last year's final at Nyayo Stadium, where the Junior Sables outfit thrashed Kenya 28-7 to win the tournament. At stake is a place at the 2024 World Rugby U-20 Trophy slated for July in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Head coach Simon Jawichre expects a tough test from the hosts. “It's a final and if we do the basics well by winning the piece and playing in the right areas, then we can be in a good position to win the match," noted Jawichre.
The Catholic Monks' tactician believes his charges are headed in the right direction.
"I'm extremely proud of the boys. This is probably one of the best carefully selected squads for Kenya U-20. With time, we can only get better. We planned several things and this time round, a lot of things worked, thanks be to God. I believe many wrote us off and unfortunately, the expectations are going to rise. We will take it in our stride and keep working."
Jawichre will go for his tried and tested combination for the showdown against the hosts and defending champions.
In the forwards where Kenyu have dominated in the scrum and lineout, he will rely on Darrel Oluoch, Bramwell Anekea, and Geylord Ngasi to form the starting front row with Eugene Etale and Andycole Omolo pairing as the locks. Captain Edmond Omondi, Nathan Tsindoli and Iddo Kuta will be in the back row.
In the backs, Patrick Wainiana will start at scrum-half with Faran Juma at flyhalf.
The on-form Michael Wamalwa alongside Daniel Kipchirchir will be in the midfield and star winger Alvin Khavoli, Brian Kiptanui and James Olela in the back three. The final will kick off at 4 pm East Africa Time.
