Kenya Under-20 men’s team, Chipu will take on former champions Namibia in the first semifinal of Rugby Africa U-20 Barthes Trophy paving way for the second clash between Madagascar and Zimbabwe.
Hosts and defending champions Kenya on Saturday thumped Uganda 54-20 in the quarter-finals of the tournament joining Namibia, Zimbabwe and Madagascar who had clinched the first three semi-final tickets by sweeping aside Ivory Coast 62-0, Tunisia 19-18 and Zambia 26-14 respectively in the quarters.
The semi-final games will be preceded by classification matches pitting Ivory Coast against Tunisia and Zambia against Uganda.
Despite the team having short period of team to prepare for an eight team championship ,conditioning coach Motto Williams said they are ready to retain their junior title at home.
“We are ready. No matter what. To represent over 50 million 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,” said Williams.
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 when they narrowly defeated Madagascar 21-20 in the final at Nyayo.
