Barthes Trophy Day 1 Preview

2022 Barthes Trophy Captains

The stage is set for Africa’s premier junior tournament, the Barthes Cup. A contingent of eight teams are in Nairobi and will battle it out across three match days for the continental honors.

Only two teams, Kenya and Madagascar, return to the tournament with Senegal conspicuously missing.

An increase in the number of teams taking part this year means that hosts and defending champions, Kenya U20, have their work cut out if they wish to defend their title for the second time on home soil.

Former Champions Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire, Madagascar and neighbors Uganda are all confirmed participants of this year’s Barthes Trophy tournament that will take place from 9 April to 17 April at the Nyayo National Stadium.

We take a look at the four match ups that will set the pace on day one of the tournament.

Tunisia vs Zimbabwe
Both these teams make a return to Pool A of Barthes Trophy having spent their fair share of time in Pool B. Tunisia were relegated in 2019 after they lost 28-16 to Senegal in the 3rd place play-off.

One thing is for sure, both sides will be aiming for a strong start. The winner of this duel will meet the winner of quarterfinal 3.

Namibia vs Cote d’Ivoire
2019 losing finalists Namibia make a comeback to the tournament they missed last year due to the adverse effects of the novel Covid-19 in their camp. Cote d’Ivoire are making their first appearance at the tournament. Traditionally big boys in terms of physique, the West Africans will need to bring their A-Game if they are to beat Namibia in the tournament’s very first game.

Madagascar vs Zambia
Last year’s crowd favorite and surprise package Junior Makis of Madagascar will take on Zambia in the third quarter final. They missed out on the title by a whisker last time out and will be hoping to replicate their strong start when they face Zambia on Saturday morning. Zambia will be squaring it out with big boys for the first time and with their neighbors Zimbabwe potentially waiting in the semifinals, writing them off could be a huge mistake.

Kenya vs Uganda
The junior version of the Elgon Cup will be Saturday’s showstopper. Defending champions Kenya kick off their title defense against a plucky Ugandan side who have a sizeable bite in their bark. These two sides last met in the junior competition back in 2014, Kenya winning that one in front of a home crowd at the RFUEA.

A strong start against Uganda will surely be in Head Coach Curtis Olago’s pre-match notes. In July 2021, Kenya managed to hold out Madagascar 21-20 in the title decider. Olago will have the experience of returning Captain John Baraka as well as the talents of Tyson Maina, Samwel Mwaura and Anderson Oduor to count on.

Quarter-Final 1– Namibia vs Cote d’Ivoire (9 AM)

Quarter-Final 2– Tunisia vs Zimbabwe ( 11.30 AM)

Quarter-Final 3– Madagascar vs Zambia (2 PM)

Quarter-Final 4– Kenya vs Uganda (4.30 PM)

Namibia Squad: Leonardo Bayer, Bernd Beddies, Geraldo Beukes, Darren Beukes, Oela Blaauw, Conwille Draghoender, Ray-Eez Feris, Frederich Grobbelaar, Riaan Grove, Owen Hawanga, Niel Holtzhausen, Rowan Jansen, Alexander Jansen, Patrick Karsten, Quirine Majiedt, Lucky Mauha, Upahee Muhuura, Gregory Namaseb, Jan Otto, Franco Pearson, Henri Rossouw, Iyambo Tshuuya, Rashano van Rooi and Janes van Zyl.

Uganda Squad: Byaruhanga Alexander, Nkonte Joel Hosea, Louis Oboi, Emma Kiyaga,Alvin Rukundo, Sebidandi Derrick, Edward Emiemu, Champara Herbert, Tumwebaze Winston, Wandera Brian, Mwadeghu Charles Ryan, Thembo Jeremy B, Ochieng Blaise, Adebua Vani Joshua, Ampaire Kevin, Michael Kalyango, Sentongo Robert, Okello Daniel Malcolm, Kabogoza Hashim, Yasin Waswa, Ochan Emma, Steven Kalema, Edrin Lemeriga, Kansiime Joseph Mwesigwa, Opileni Hossana

Namibia targeting glory in Nairobi

NAMIBIA are targeting honours when they compete at the upcoming 2022 Rugby Africa Barthés U20 Trophy in Nairobi, Kenya.

Head coach Chrysander Botha named his travelling team yesterday.

The tournament is a welcome distraction for the youngsters who missed out on the action altogether last year after several members of the team tested positive for Covid-19. The year before that Namibia fell 21-18 to Kenya in the final.

They will be looking to reclaim the title and underline their pedigree on the continent between 9 and 17 April.

“We’re going to Kenya to play our hearts out. The past few weeks were a bit difficult for us to get each other and bond as a team to prepare for the tour. But I believe we will do well,” captain Rowan Jansen said.

Only three teams participated last year due to Covid-19 interruptions, with Kenya edging Madagascar 21-20 to retain the trophy.

This year, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Senegal, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe have all confirmed they will be vying for the title.

“This is a platform for our boys to go out there and just do well. I don’t think any team prepares just to go and participate; we’re going over there to win this tournament,” Botha said.

“Yes, we did lose in the previous tournament, but that just goes to show that development of rugby in Africa is happening at the moment,” he said of their rivals rapid improvement.

“We need to strategically plan how we’re going to move forward because the rest of Africa is catching up to us, especially the likes of Kenya and Zimbabwe.

“We need to invest all our time and energy in the development of our players. Not just u20, but at the grassroots level as well.”

Namibia face the fast-improving Ivory Coast on 9 April in their first match. Their next opponent will be confirmed after the opening day’s results.

That fixture will be played on 13 April after which the final will be contested on 17 April when the ranking for u20 will be determined.

“It’s a difficult route as we face Ivory Coast, then possibly Kenya and then Zimbabwe in the final. But, if you want to be the best then you have to beat the best, as they say. We’re planning on going all out and we’re going there to represent Namibia and do everyone proud,” Botha said.

Namibia Squad: Leonardo Bayer, Bernd Beddies, Geraldo Beukes, Darren Beukes, Oela Blaauw, Conwille Draghoender, Ray-Eez Feris, Frederich Grobbelaar, Riaan Grove, Owen Hawanga, Niel Holtzhausen, Rowan Jansen, Alexander Jansen, Patrick Karsten, Quirine Majiedt, Lucky Mauha, Upahee Muhuura, Gregory Namaseb, Jan Otto, Franco Pearson, Henri Rossouw, Iyambo Tshuuya, Rashano van Rooi and Janes van Zyl.

Technical team: Chrysander Botha (coach), Jacobus Husselmann (team manager), Wilfred Nico Bezuidehoudt (team doctor).

-The Namibian

U20 Barthes Trophy ticket sales commence

Ticket sales for the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy are now open.

The tournament takes place from 9th to 17th April 2022 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

Regular tickets will cost Ksh 300 with VIP tickets retailing at Ksh 1000 per match day.

Tickets are available on https://mtickets.com/buy/barthes-trophy/1568 

Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy Fixtures

MATCH DAY 1, Saturday 9 April 2022

QF1 9.00am Namibia v Cote d’Ivoire

QF2 11.30am Tunisia v Zimbabwe

QF3 2.00pm Madagascar v Zambia

QF4 4.30pm Kenya v Uganda

MATCH DAY 2, Wednesday 13 April 2022

CM1 9.00am Loser QF1 v Loser QF2

CM2 11.30am Loser QF3 v Loser QF4

SF1 2.00pm Winner QF1 v Winner QF4

SF2 4.30pm Winner QF2 v Winner QF3

MATCH DAY 3, Sunday 17 April 2022

PO1 9.00am Loser CM1 v Loser CM2

PO2 11.30am Winner CM1 v Winner CM2

Bronze Medal Match: 2.00pm Loser SF1 v Loser SF2

Final: 4.30pm Winner SF1 v Winner SF2

Uganda declare their squad to Nairobi

Uganda have named a 32 man travelling squad for the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy taking place in Nairobi from 9th to 17th April at the Nyayo National Stadium. The squad, which features 25 players and 7 officials is expected in Nairobi on Thursday morning.

Props: Byaruhanga Alexander, Nkonte Joel Hosea, Louis Oboi, Emma Kiyaga,Alvin Rukundo

Hookers: Sebidandi Derrick, Edward Emiemu, Champara Herbert

Locks: Tumwebaze Winston, Wandera Brian, Mwadeghu Charles Ryan

Flankers: Thembo Jeremy B, Ochieng Blaise, Adebua Vani Joshua, Ampaire Kevin

Half Backs: Michael Kalyango, Sentongo Robert, Okello Daniel Malcolm

Centers: Kabogoza Hashim, Yasin Waswa, Ochan Emma

Back Three: Steven Kalema, Edrin Lemeriga, Kansiime Joseph Mwesigwa, Opileni Hossana

Management: Lumu Richard (Head Coach),Martial Tchumkam (Assistant Coach), Etuket Dennis (Team Manager), Patrick Omoding (Assistant Team Manager), Noah Kayongo (Physio), Musa Rajab (Team Doctor), Jude Rwakayanga ( Conditioning Coach)

Photo Credit: Uganda Rugby Union

2022 U20 Barthes Trophy fixtures released

The Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy gets underway this Saturday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The tournament, which serves as the Africa’s U20 championship features eight teams and will be played on a knockout basis over three match days.

There will be four quarterfinal fixtures on Saturday 9 April 2022 with the semifinals set for Wednesday 13 April at the same venue.

The title decider will be played on Sunday 17 April.

Former champions Namibia will get the tournament underway when they face Cote d’Ivoire in the opening fixture, paving the way for the second clash between Tunisia and Zimbabwe.

Madagascar, losing finalists in 2021 will take on Zambia in the day’s third fixture before hosts and defending champions Kenya take on next door neighbors Uganda in the final quarterfinal fixture.

Meanwhile, this year’s tournament is open to the public. Regular tickets will retail at Ksh 300 with VIP tickets retailing at Ksh 1000 per match day. Further ticketing information will be released in a subsequent communication.

Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy

Match Day 1, Saturday 9 April 2022

QF1 9.00am Namibia v Cote d’Ivoire

QF2 11.30am Tunisia v Zimbabwe

QF3 2.00pm Madagascar v Zambia

QF4 4.30pm Kenya v Uganda

Match Day 2, Wednesday 13 April 2022

CM1 9.00am Loser QF1 v Loser QF2

CM2 11.30am Loser QF3 v Loser QF4

SF1 2.00pm Winner QF1 v Winner QF4

SF2 4.30pm Winner QF2 v Winner QF3

Match Day 3, Sunday 17 March 2022

PO1 9.00am Loser CM1 v Loser CM2

PO2 11.30am Winner CM1 v Winner CM2

Bronze Medal Match: 2.00pm Loser SF1 v Loser SF2

Final: 4.30pm Winner SF1 v Winner SF2

Kenya successfully defend U20 Barthes Trophy in Nairobi

Kenya successfully defend U20 Barthes Trophy in Nairobi

Kenya U20 Vice-Captain Matoka Matoka put on a man-of-the-match performance as Kenya beat Madagascar 21-20 in the final match of the U20 Barthes Trophy played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams went into the match buoyed by huge wins over third-placed Senegal and everyone had their work cut out if they were to be crowned champions.

Tries from Maxwell Atera, Matoka Matoka and Captain John Baraka complimented by two penalties from Matoka Matoka were enough, in the end, to cancel out Madagascar’s three tries, one conversion and one penalty.

Kenya had already qualified for the 2022 World Junior Trophy and now they will feel they are more than prepared for a tougher test.

Speaking after the game, an elated John Baraka could not hide his joy as he attributed the team’s success to teamwork. “The game was a bit tense in the first half, the scores were tight but we managed to widen the gap in the second half,” says Baraka.

“We gave in to pressure in the last minutes but in the end our teamwork and defense won it for us,” adds Baraka.

Former Kenya international scrum half Peter Mutai who is the team manager is glad they managed to win despite the late flurry by the Junior Makis. “We went off the script but we were lucky we started the game on a high, much better than our last game against Senegal. We succumbed to pressure in the final minutes, it is a final anyway but the good thing is that we went ahead early,” says Mutai.

“Congratulations to Madagascar, we respect a good challenge. Those guys play like sevens using their width so much. At the end of the day a win is a win so congratulations to the boys,” concludes Mutai.

Kenya has now successfully defended the title they last won in 2019 at the KCB Sports Club when they beat Namibia 21-18 in the final.

-James Njenga/U20 Barthes Trophy Media Team

Plenty of changes for Madagascar ahead of crucial tie against Kenya

Plenty of changes for Madagascar ahead of crucial tie against Kenya

Coach Rakotoarivelo Mboazafy Noé has made two personnel changes and four positional changes to his squad that will face hosts and defending champions Kenya in the final tie of the U20 Barthes Trophy at the Nyayo National Stadium.

From the squad that defeated Senegal 34-3 last Saturday, Rakotoniaina Flosy Tsiorinirina Marcel and Rakotoarijaona Tsiaroniaina Michel drop to the bench and their places are taken up by Rakotoniaina Johann Anael and Randriatiana Francky Kefu.

The dynamic and electric midfield duo of Razanamparany Fidisoa and Rakotomalala Salotra Lucas remains intact while there is a new half-back partnership of Randrianantenaina Erica Bruno and Ranaivoharison Naina Jean Frederic.

Salotra Lucas already has a brace to his name and is joint-second in the try-scoring list together with Kenyan duo of Tyson Maina and William Opaka.

There are also a number of positional changes as the Junior Makis aim to dethrone Kenya on home soil. Captain Rakotonirina Setra Solofoniaina moves from hooker to tighthead prop, pushing Rakotosalama Bienvenue Angelo to the base of the scrum.

Other positional changes see Randriamanantena Tojosoa Harifetra move from the eighth man slot to openside flank while Rahajanirina Lionel Hadjy moves from the right-wing to the left-wing.

Madagascar will have to win Sunday’s match to be crowned the new U20 Barthes Champions.

Madagascar’s Team vs Kenya

1.Andriamasinjanahary Lanja Fiononantsoa,  2. Rakotoniaina Johann Anael 3. Rakotonirina Setra Solofoniaina 4. Razafimahatratra Maurice 5. Rajeriarison Miaritanjona Mickael 6. Rakotovao Alain 7. Randriamanantena Tojosoa Harifetra 8. Rakotosalama Bienvenue Angelo 9. Randrianantenaina Erica Bruno 10. Ranaivoharison Naina Jean Frederic 11. Rahajanirina Lionel Hadjy 12. Razanamparany Fidisoa 13. Rakotomalala Salotra Lucas 14. Randriatiana  Francky Kefu 15. Hasina Nomenjanahary Elson Gabriel

Replacements

16. Rasoarantonirina Herve 17. Randriamasinavalona Todisoa Sabany 18. Rakotoniaina Flosy Tsiorinirina Marcel 19. Rakotonirina Harentsoa Nifaliana 20. Rakotoson Fiononana Rolland 21. Rasolofoniaina Hery Njaka 22. Rakotoarijaona Tsiaroniaina Michel

-James Njenga/U20 Barthes Trophy Media Team

Four changes for Kenya ahead of clash with Madagascar

Four changes for Kenya U20 ahead of clash with Madagascar

The Kenya U20 squad to take on Madagascar in Sunday’s U20 Barthes Trophy match at the Nyayo National Stadium has been named.

There are five changes in total to the squad that won 50-3 in the opening fixture against Senegal. One change is positional while the other four are personnel changes. Three of those changes are in the forwards while only one affects the backline.

Front row Tom Amoya, lock Edwin Nyachio and back row Tyson Maina all get starting berths while fly-half Owain Ashley comes into the squad as an injury replacement and heads straight into the starting line up.

This means that the forward trio of Mohamed Khaidar, Andrew Wangila, and Collins Indeche is joined by Arnold Onzere on the bench while Nicholas Okullo is out of the matchday squad completely.

The only positional change sees Reinhardt Mwalati move from the blind side of the scrum to the open side to accommodate flanker Tyson Maina. Owain Ashley replaces Amon Wamalwa who is out on medical grounds.

Vice-Captain Matoka Matoka leads the point-scoring charts after two matchdays with 15 points from 1 try, 2 penalties and 2 conversions. Matoka will be joined by William Opaka and Anderson Oduor in the back three.

Kenya has to beat Madagascar to defend the title they won back in 2019.

Kenya’s Squad to face Madagascar

1. Wilhite Mususi, 2. Maxwell Atera, 3. Tom Amoyah, 4. Edwin Nyachio, 5. Ibrahim Ayodi, 6.Tyson Maina, 7.Reinhardt Mwalati, 8. John Baraka (captain), 9. Cornelius Mokoro, 10.Owain Ashley, 11. Matoka Matoka, 12. Felix Chacha, 13. Richel Wangila, 14.William Opaka, 15.Anderson Oduor

REPLACEMENTS

16. Celestine Mboi, 17. Javan Olando 18. Mohamed Khaidar, 19. Laban Kipsang, 20. Collins Indeche, 21.Arnold Onzere 22. Shem Okola, 23. Roy Mulievi

Mutai counts on Chipu’s systems ahead of Barthes Trophy decider

Defending Champions Kenya opened their U20 Barthes Trophy campaign with a huge 50-3 win over Senegal on Saturday 26 June 2021 and will be looking to replicate the same performance when they face Madagascar in the last fixture of this year’s tournament.

Kenya unlike Madagascar has been in camp for almost three weeks and the Team Manager, former Kenyan International scrum-half Peter Mutai believes this will work to their advantage.

Peter Mutai

“The camp has been good; we have gotten to be together for the past three weeks. We have worked on our systems and polished the mistakes we made against Senegal and we are now working on a system to take on Madagascar,” says Mutai.

Chipu sat out last weekend’s game and Mutai is confident they have enough knowledge on Madagascar’s game to develop a winning formula. “The team, as well as the technical bench, has watched Madagascar’s game against Senegal and it has helped us in preparing,” adds Mutai.

The game on Sunday will be a winner takes it all kind of game and the defending champions are not taking any chances. “We are leaving nothing to chance. Madagascar is better than Senegal so we expect a really tough game. We are really prepared,” says Mutai.

Kenya U20s huddle up before their 50-3 win over Senegal at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday 26 June 2021

Physicality and dominance have been pillars of the Kenyan game for years and that might just be on display again this weekend. “We want to be very brutal in our set-pieces and very clinical in our finishing,” says Mutai.

Senegal gave Kenya a run for their money in the first half of their game. This time round, Mutai is hoping for a different approach from the start.

“Sometimes it takes a while to get going and the team might find it difficult to score. We are hoping for a quicker and faster start this weekend. That is why we have named a strong starting fifteen and an even stronger bench,” says Mutai.

Kenya will be using this tournament as preparation for next year’s Junior World Trophy. There is really no pressure to perform according to the former Kenya International. “The boys have come a long way; the coaches have done a great job. We know some boys will leave the team after the tournament but we still have a core of around fifteen players we will build on next year. So far we do not really feel any pressure.”

“For us it is all about the system. The system helps you beat defenses as well as build defenses. The system also helps you score points that is why we are keen on developing our very own full-functional system of play,” concludes Mutai.

The final ranking will be determined after the game. Kenya will take on Madagascar in the 1.30 pm kick-off on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium in what has been dubbed the “Super Sunday.”

-James Njenga/U20 Barthes Trophy Media Team

Madagascar expect physical battle against Kenya in Barthes Trophy decider

Nairobi, Friday 9 July 2021….Despite a late arrival for the U20 Barthes Trophy in Nairobi, the Junior Maki’s went ahead and shocked Senegal with a 34-3 victory in their first game at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Junior Makis have certainly been impressive with their fleet feet and fast-paced rugby.

They head into this weekend’s fixture against Kenya refreshed after a week of recovery and preparations and the camp is looking lively according to skipper and talisman, Setra Solofoniaina Andriamasinjanahary.

“We have had more than enough time to recover. I am feeling okay and the whole team is also fine and ready to go this weekend,” says Setra. These two sides are no strangers to each other having last met in the same competition on 28 March 2018 at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek. Kenya won the game 51-13.

Action between Madagascar and Senegal on 3 July 2021 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Madagascar won this clash 34-3

The coach, Rakotoarivelo Mboazafy Noé insists that they are here for the trophy. “We want nothing less than to be crowned U20 champions of Africa.”

Sunday’s game against hosts and defending champions Chipu of Kenya is winner takes it all and Setra, and his team, is anxiously waiting for the moment. “We have been waiting for this moment since we played Senegal. Our training sessions have been geared towards countering Kenya’s strengths and we cannot wait,” adds Setra.

Despite their impressive showing against Senegal last weekend, Setra and his coach are not blind to the fact that the Kenyans are bigger and they have devised a way to counter that aspect. “The Kenyans are big, we are smaller so we have devised our own trick to beat them, we just have to wait for Sunday,” concludes Setra.

Madagascar were 34-3 winners over Senegal in U20 Barthes Trophy action at the Nyayo National Stadium on 3 July 2021

Madagascar will be relying heavily on influential center Salotra Lucas Rakotomalala who scored a brace of tries against Senegal and is joint-second on the tournament’s try-scoring charts.

The team has been training in a bio-bubble environment the whole tournament and despite not being able to move around Nairobi, Setra is happy with the City under the sun. “Nairobi is a very good place. Our stay in Kenya so far has been very good. We have no complaints,” adds Setra.

The tournament is being played in a round-robin format and the final rankings will be determined after the game.

Madagascar will take on Kenya in the 1.30 pm kick-off on Sunday 11 July in what has been dubbed the “Super Sunday.”

-James Njenga/U20 Barthes Trophy Media Team