• Chipu had an inconsistent two-month training but the Catholic Monks tactician said they are relishing the challenge that awaits at the week-long tournament.
•The winning team will represent Africa at the World Rugby U20 Trophy set for July 2-17 in Scotland.
Image: FILE
Kenya Under 20 coach Simon Jawchire said his charges will take one match at a time when the Barthes Cup kick off in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Saturday.
Chipu had an inconsistent two-month training but the Catholic Monks tactician said they are relishing the challenge that awaits at the week-long tournament.
“Credit to the team. They have learnt quickly in the last couple of weeks. They are good learners and we want to take that to the tournament and see where it leads us,” observed Jawichre.
The training period was bogged down by a lack of training resources with players scattered all over. They did not play build-up matches.
"You know the challenges we went through during the training phase. They were beyond our control but the boys are ready and raring to go,” he noted.
"I want the Kenya rugby fans to support and cheer the team as we embark on this event."
Edmond Omondi captains the side which welcomes nine players who played at the previous edition in July last year in Nairobi.
They are Geylord Ngasi, Andycole Omolo, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, Michael Wamalwa and James Olela.
Also in the mix are Alvin Khavoli and Philip Okeyo, who have been standout performers in the Kenya Cup for their club sides Menengai Oilers and Nakuru.
This year’s tournament features four teams led by hosts and defending champions Zimbabwe, last year’s runners-up Kenya, Namibia and Tunisia.
The teams will battle it out in a round-robin competition over three matchdays.
The winning team will represent Africa at the World Rugby U20 Trophy set for July 2-17 in Scotland.
The team departs on Thursday morning. Kenya will open their campaign against Namibia on Saturday, take on Tunisia on April 24 and complete the tournament against Zimbabwe on April 28.
Chipu Squad Darrel Oluoch, Ian Nyandusi, Bramwell Mate, Brian Shile, Geylord Ngasi, Hafidh Mohammed, Eugene Etali, Cleyn Okumbi, Andycole Omolo, Eddy Otieno, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Willy Tino, Edmond Omondi (captain), Patrick Wainaina, Benedict Muiruri, Faran Juma, Philip Okeyo, Alvin Khavoli, Brian Kiptoo, Dennis Ndayala, Kipchirchir Bett, Elvis Otete, Eugene Ojiambo, Jackson Siketi, Michael Wamalwa, James Olela
Management: Simon Jawichre (Head Coach), Philip Wamae (Team Manager), Samuel Ochieng' (Physio)