Zimbabwe Under-20 captain Panashe Zuze and Kenyan counterpart Laban Kipsang pose with the Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy
The Sunday News
Innocent Kurira
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union (ZRU) vice-president south Martin Shone says the plan has always been to retain the Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthes Trophy, a feat he said they will put to fruition this afternoon.
The Young Sables face hosts Kenya in the final of the juniors tournament to be played at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Zimbabwe thumped Tunisia 60-6 on Wednesday to book a place in the final of the competition.
Zimbabwe Under-20 captain Panashe Zuze and Kenyan counterpart Laban Kipsang pose with the Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy
Kenya triumphed 24-13 against Namibia in the other semi-final, meaning the Junior Sables will join their East African opponents as Africa’s representatives at the 2023 World Rugby Under-20 Junior Trophy slated for 15 to 30 July in Nairobi.
Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s final, Shone said: “The plan has always been to win the cup which is what we are going to do this afternoon. A week after the final the boys will begin preparations for the 2023 World Rugby Trophy.”
The Barthes Trophy features some of the finest junior rugby teams in Africa. At the upcoming World Junior Trophy to be held in Kenya, the Young Sables are in the same group as Scotland, Uruguay, Canada or USA at this tournament.
The World Rugby Under-20 Trophy is the second tier competition, below the main competition the World Rugby Under-20 Championship which is also returning for the first time since Covid-19 and will be hosted in South Africa from June 24 to July 2023.
Zimbabwe Under-20 captain Panashe Zuze and Kenyan counterpart Laban Kipsang pose with the Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy
The Zimbabwean team has received support from the Government and they were hosted by President Mnangagwa at State House prior to their departure for Kenya.
Some of the companies that have partnered with the Young Sables in their journey are Nedbank Zimbabwe, ProTyre Fitment Centre, Phero Steel, FX Logistics, Firstlink Insurance Brokers,
Work2BeWell and more can still come on board to ensure flawless preparations and continuous development. The age-group teams are the future of any sport and it is important to support them. — Follow on Twitter @innocentskizoe
