Tag: U20 Barthes Trophy

Beldad Ogeta in full flight against the Namibians in the 2019 final of the U20 Barthes Trophy in Nairobi

Beldad Ogeta: U20 Barthes Trophy a stepping stone to greater things

Lots of people never forget their firsts. Their first time driving, their first time picking up a rugby ball, and certainly not their first time donning the national team jersey and going ahead to win a major tournament that had proven elusive for others in the past. This is the story of Beldad Ogeta, currently one of Kenya’s most prolific wingers.


Beldad first picked up a rugby ball at Bungoma High School, after which he joined one of the country’s top clubs, the Menengai Oilers. Back then, the Oilers were a championship team, and his raw power and directness are probably some of the qualities that turned the heads of the coaches at the Oilers.


They probably saw him as a weapon to unlock stubborn defenses. A weapon they utilized effectively even after they gained promotion to the Kenya Cup.


It, therefore, did not take very long for the then Kenya U20 management to notice him, and he was called in for trials. “I did not believe it (the callup) at first, it had always been my dream to play for Kenya at any level, and I knew this was just the beginning,” says Beldad, now an accomplished Kenya Simbas International.


He made it to the training squad, then the final squad that was to take part in the 2019 U20 Barthes Trophy tournament, and eventually, he made it to Paul Odera’s first 15 for the tournament. His tenacious power runs with the ball in hand eventually helping Kenya wrestle the championship away from the Namibians at a packed KCB Grounds. He scored a brilliant try, by the way…

 

But what made that team tick? “Most of us who made the team had already met in high school games, so it was easy for us to form a connection. We also bonded well given that we had a residential camp at Brookhouse International School just before the tournament.”


According to Beldad, three key things played a role in Kenya winning the coveted U20 Barthes Trophy. “As a team, we really wanted to win, and then the fans came through for us. Of course, playing at home has its advantages. The fans showed up and rallied behind us, which is something that gave us the confidence we needed for those tense moments,” adds Beldad.


“We also wanted to make history. Our coaches kept on motivating us throughout the tournament, and we knew that we could be history makers, at home, in front of one of the most passionate crowds in the world.”

The Junior World Trophy in Brazil
The winner of the U20 Barthes Trophy represents the continent in the Junior World Trophy, but as fate would have it, Beldad could not travel with the team to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as he was nursing an injury he sustained just three days before the trip.


“Despite scoring in the final here in Nairobi, I did not make the trip to Brazil due to an injury I sustained last minute while training with my club. But I was happy that my replacement for that trip was also my teammate at club level, Timothy Omela,” says Beldad.


Very few can claim to have what Beldad has. A burst of power and strength while at the same time leaving his opponents in his wake with his turn of speed. Very few can cause teams problems the way he does, steamrolling defenders at will while also possessing that extra edge when it comes to finishing. Something that has earned him the nickname Laumape after the famous New Zealand midfielder Ngani Laumape.


The injury setback did not shut doors; on the contrary, doors opened so wide that he could not believe it. But not without a lesson or two in patience. “After recovering from the injury, I got called up for a few trials with the Kenya Simbas, first in 2020 and then in 2021, but they did not all materialize due to the global pandemic that was COVID-19.” In 2022, I did not make it the first time, but when the team was heading to South Africa to play in the Currie Cup First Division, I received a call-up.”


Since then, Beldad has grown from strength to strength, even earning a call-up to the final 31-man squad that took part in the Rugby World Cup repechage tournament in Dubai last year.

The 2019 U20 Barthes Trophy Winners
The Chipu Class of 2019 with their bling!


To the Chipu class of 2023: “Anything is possible. Use the home advantage to the fullest. The fans will show up, and it will be up to you to make them proud. We are celebrating our win four years later; it is always good to be part of history. I wish them all the best,” adds Beldad.


Beldad is now a full Kenyan international, having played for the Kenya Simbas at the Rugby World Cup repechage tournament in Dubai last year. To Chipu class of 2023, Beldad did it, All of You can also do it!

– Article by James Njenga Macharia/U20 Barthes Trophy Media Team

Kenya Chipu to fight for bronze against Madagascar after Namibia loss

The national U20 rugby 15s side, Kenya Chipu, will battle for a third place finish on the podium this Sunday when they face the Junior Makis from Madagascar in the 3/4th place playoff final set to be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium this weekend as the 2022 edition of the continental U20 Barthes Trophy comes to an end.

This year, hosts Chipu, who were the back to back champions of the junior championship, will not be able to complete a consecutive treble and defend their title as they were knocked out in the semifinal stage 5-16 by tournament favourites Namibia who advanced to the final in their stead.

Following the loss, the Curtis Olago coached side were forced to drop to the 3/4th playoff where they face Madagascar in a repeat clash of the 2021 main cup final where Kenya won 21-20 in a very tough and epic contest.

While Kenya and Madagascar will fight for the bronze, Namibia will be seeking to ascend to the top of the 8 team tournament but have a very able Zimbabwe side also waiting in store to try and stop them.

The physical Zimbabweans edged Madagascar to book the rivalry between the two nations.

Apart from the two matches, Cote D’Ivoire will open the final match day proceedings against Zambia in the 7/8th playoff with both sides failing to record any wins so far in their opening two games.

Neigbhours Uganda will then face Tunisia in the 5/6th place playoff in the second match.

Sunday 17 April 2022 Schedule.

Cote D’Ivoire vs Zambia – 0900EAT

Uganda vs Tunisia – 1130 EAT

Kenya vs Madagascar – 1400EAT

Namibia vs Zimbabwe -1630EAT

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

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