Kenya U20 Head Coach Simon Jawichre has announced a 28-man squad to represent the country at the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy, set for April 20-28 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The annual tournament will see four teams hosts Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia, and Tunisia compete in a round-robin format, with the winner earning a place at the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland later this year.
The squad blends experience and new talent, with nine players returning from the team that featured in the World Rugby U20 Trophy last July in Nairobi.
Returning names include captain Edmond Omondi, Geylord Ngasi, Andycole Omolo, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, Michael Wamalwa, and James Olela. Standout Kenya Cup performers Alvin Khavoli and Philip Okeyo have also earned selection.
Coach Jawichre acknowledged challenges in assembling the squad, particularly with player documentation, but expressed confidence in the group’s readiness.
“The players are well balanced in skills and physical preparedness,” he noted, adding that the team is motivated to defend their title and “create history” despite the tough competition ahead.
Kenya, last year’s runners-up, begin their campaign against Namibia on Saturday, April 20, followed by a clash with Tunisia on Wednesday, April 24. They close out the tournament against defending champions Zimbabwe on Sunday, April 28.
The squad departs for Zimbabwe on Thursday morning, with management led by Head Coach Simon Jawichre, Team Manager Philip Wamae, and Physio Samuel Ochieng.
Kenya U20 Barthés Trophy Squad:
Darrel Oluoch, Ian Nyandusi, Bramwel 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
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