Chipu face acid test against Namibia in Barthes Cup opener

Kenya Under 20 rugby team face stern test when they play Namibia in the opening match of the Barthes Cup at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

The side, known as Chipu, hope to replicate last year's performance where they beat Namibia 24-13 at Nyayo Stadium in the semifinal.

Head coach Simon Jawichre faces a daunting task against the former champions, especially after a disrupted training programme due to a lack of resources and adequate time.

He will rely on several players who did duty last year at the Barthes Cup and Junior Rugby Trophy (JWRT) tournaments in Nairobi.

They include Gaylord Ngasi, Andycole Omolo, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, Michael Wamalwa and James Olela.

The Catholic Monks' tactician said they have settled well in the Zimbabwean capital and held their captain's run on Friday with a l light training session on Thursday.

"The boys are eager and ready for the first match against Namibia. A good number have played for the past two seasons and know what is expected of them,” added Jawichre.

Namibia revolves around the set piece and strong forward play with tactical kicking which Chipu must nullify.

They will play in pace to tire the big Namibia forwards.

Chipu face Tunisia on Wednesday with the final match, against Zimbabwe, set for Saturday.

Meanwhile, there will be five round-of-16 matches in the Enterprise Cup on Saturday.

Last year's runners-up, KCB, Catholic Monks at Ruaraka, Mean Machine host JKUAT Cougars in a varsity showdown while Africa Nazarene University welcome Northern Suburbs.

USIU Martials welcome Quins while the tie of the round will see Impala host Blak Blad on Ngong Road.

Holders Kabras, Nondies and Strathmore Leos have advanced to the last eight without kicking a ball after their opponents, Mwamba, Stallions and MKU Thika handed them walkovers.