Kenyan U20 fullback Jackson Siketi will miss this year’s edition of the Rugby Africa Barthes U20 Trophy through Injury.

The absence of the Kabras youngster has been confirmed by Head Coach Simon Jawichre after he left the player out of his 28-man squad that will do duty in Zimbabwe.

Kenya is set to mount a defense for their title in the 2025 edition of the tournament, which brings together the best of Africa’s under-20 rugby talent beginning this Thursday, April 17 to 28.

Siketi was an instrumental member of Chipu’s side’s victorious run in the last edition, with his individual brilliance display to set up Mike Wamalwa en route to the 28-13 victory over Zimbabwe in the finals of the 2024 edition earning him plaudits.

 In his absence, Jawichre has opted for a blend of experience while also handing call-ups to several fresh players for the tourney.

The trainer maintains his charges are ready to live up to the expectations of performance as the reigning champions ahead of the clash.

“We’re going into this tournament as defending champions. Our target is to create history,” he affirmed to KRU.

The U20 Barthes Cup will follow a round-robin format, where each team plays every other team in the group. This format allows all teams to compete against each other, providing an opportunity for each team to demonstrate its capabilities.

The 28 man Chipu squad that will be heading out to Zimbabwe for the 2025 Barthes Under 20 Trophy from 17th-28th April 2025.
All the best Youngins💪💪 pic.twitter.com/IxjwIRAwPr

— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) April 16, 2025

Kenya will begin their campaign against Tunisia on Saturday, April 19 at 1:00 PM.

Their second test will come in the shape of Namibia four days later.

Jawichre’s boys will wrap up the test by potentially saving the best for the last clash against Zimbabwe on Sunday, April  27.