T. NashipaeU20 Barthes Cup: Everything you need to know about the 2023 edition
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 21.04.23. | 10:47
The tournament also serves as the Africa U20 Championship
The U20 Barthes Cup makes its fourth appearance in Nairobi at the Nyayo National Stadium from Saturday 22 April to Sunday 30. The previous editions were held in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
This year’s edition has attracted a total of eight of the best U20 teams in Africa that will be racing for the ultimate ticket of this year’s World Rugby Junior Trophy which will also take place in Nairobi in July this year.
Leading the pack in Nairobi are defending champions Zimbabwe, last year’s beaten finalists Namibia, hosts Kenya, and Madagascar. Neighboring Ugandans will be present as well as Ivory Coast, Tunisia, and Zambia.
The tournament will be played on a knockout basis with over three match days.
Quarterfinals: Saturday 22nd April
Semifinals: Wednesday 26th April
Final: Sunday 30th April
Saturday 22 has a great lineup for fans. Defending Champions Zimbabwe will open the floor with Cote D’voire at 9.00 am in the first quarterfinal before paving way for Namibia and Zambia at 11.30 am. Later in the afternoon (2.00 pm), Madagascar will play Tunisia. The last match of the day will pit hosts Kenya and the noisy neighbors Uganda at 4.30 pm.
Zimbabwe v Cote D’ivoire 9.00am
Namibia v Zambia 11.30 am
Madagascar v Tunisia 2.00 pm
Kenya v Uganda 4.30 pm
Why the U20 Barthes Trophy is important
A new generation of nearly 30 young players, whose potential is limitless when completely realized, is poised to emerge in the nation courtesy of the tournament. The tournament is likely to define Kenya’s style of play in the future. Could it be the group that takes Kenya to Australia in 2027?
Last year, Kenya Simbas had a Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign, first through the African qualifiers and then through the repechage tournament. The majority of players selected had passed through the Barthes Cup. Actually, seven out of the 31 players named for the Rugby World Cup repechage tournament were members of the 2019 team. They include Beldad Ogeta, Geoffrey Okwach, John Okoth, Ian Masheti, Samuel Asati, and Timothy Omela. The importance of this tournament for Kenya cannot be overstated.
Gate charges
Saturday 22 April: VIP: Ksh1,000 Regular: Ksh100
Wednesday 26 April: VIP: Ksh500 Regular: Ksh100
Sunday 30 April: VIP: Ksh1,000 Regular: Ksh100
Chipu Squad
Raymond Chacha, George Otieno, Gaylord Ngasi, Eugene Etale, Stanslous Shikoli, Laban Kipsang, Iddo Kuta, William Otondi, Patrick Wainaina, Eddy Wambugu, Raphael Wanga, Felix Chacha Masega, Mike Wamalwa, David Mwangi, Victor Mola, Jeremy Odhiambo, Brian Makaya, Wycliffe Ogutu, James Asanga, Jacktone Omondi, Zephenes Obwanga, Faran Juma, Claude Kennedy, Dennis Kisungu, Mike Oduor, Ahona Victor, John Asega, Brian Mwendwa.
