Kenya U-20 squad for 2023 Barthes Cup named
Kenya Harlequin lock Laban Kipsang will captain the Kenya U-20 squad, popularly known as Chipu at this year’s Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy that takes place at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium from 22-30 April 2023
Kipsang is one of four returning players in the squad named by Head Coach Curtis Olago on Tuesday morning at the team’s training base at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka. The other returning players from the squad that finished third at last year’s tournament are Mwamba’s Felix Chacha, Dave Mwangi of Kenya Harlequin and Strathmore Leos’ Stanslous Shikoli. William Otondi who plays for Binghamton University in the USA has been named in the 28 man squad and will link up with the team on Saturday 15 April.
Commenting on this year’s squad, Olago, a former Kenya international center said, “We go in a bit green because of inexperience as only three players will be back with the team selected for this year. Nonetheless, it is a group comprising of very good players who have worked hard so far. We only have a few areas to polish and we will be ready for our rivals.”
Olago also spoke about the competition, and particularly the threats posed by defending champions Zimbabwe and last year’s beaten finalists, Namibia, saying, “We know the challenge posed by Namibia and Zimbabwe who have been training since last year but our work is be creative around our situation and come up with the best winning formula.”
Chipu Squad: Raymond Chacha (Strathmore Leos), George Otieno (Shamas), Gaylord Ngasi (Daystar Falcons), Eugene Etale (Unattached), Stanslous Shikoli (Strathmore Leos), Laban Kipsang (Kenya Harlequin, Captain), Iddo Kuta (Kenya Harlequin), William Otondi (Binghampton University, USA), Patrick Wainaina (Kenya Harlequin), Eddy Wambugu (Daystar Falcons), Raphael Wanga (Zetech Oaks), Felix Chacha Masega ( Mwamba), Mike Wamalwa (Catholic Monks), David Mwangi (Kenya Harlequin), Victor Mola (Strathmore Leos), Jeremy Odhiambo (Catholic Monks), Brian Makaya (Mean Machine), Wycliffe Ogutu (Daystar Falcons), James Asanga (Menengai Oilers), Jacktone Omondi (Kabras Sugar), Zephenes OBwanga (Catholic Monks), Faran Juma (Kenya Harlequin), Claude Kennedy (Blak Blad), Dennis Kisungu (Strathmore Leos), Mike Oduor (Daystar Falcons), Ahona Victor (Blak Blad), John Asega ( South Coast Pirates), Brian Mwendwa ( Strathmore Leos)
