Kenya U20 squad for World Trophy named
By Joel Sang, July 5, 2023Kenya U20 head coach Chris Olago has named Chipu’s 28-man squad that will be in action during the World Rugby U20 Trophy challenge from July 15 to 30 at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
James Olela, from Kabras, who scored against KCB in the Enterprise final in Kakamega, and Spencer Davies, who is based in the United Kingdom, are among the players named for the international assignment. Alvin Kalori of Kisumu is set for action as he will play as a winger in the highly anticipated tournament.
Chipu U20 pool
Chipu are in Pool B and will face pre-tournament favourites Samoa and Hong Kong China, whereas Spain is another member of the group.
The tournament is returning from a break after the previous four editions were not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is also hosting the showpiece for the first time in over a decade.
The last time it hosted the event was in 2009, and this year’s edition gives Kenya not only a chance to showcase to the world its capability to host high-profile competitions but also an opportunity for youngsters to expose their talents to the world.
Meanwhile, in a previous interview, Kenya Rugby chair Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai explained how confident he is as the country hosts the world for the junior competition. Mutai believes that rugby is on the right track, and KRU is exploring the possibility of reviving the Safari Sevens tournament and re-introducing a 15s aside Kenya schools’ tournament.
“We want to get things up. We want to go back to our winning ways. With U20, we have confidence in the future of rugby, and this tournament is just the beginning. We are ambitious and have no doubts that our boys will do well in the tournament.
“We also intend to spread Rugby into primary schools and expose our young talents to international sporting events,” said Mutai.
On his part, Vice Chairman and World Rugby U20 trophy chair Moses Ndale affirmed that the preparations for the World U20 bonanza are well on track.
“The preparations have been going really well. We need to appreciate the government through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts, and Sports because we are working hand-in-hand with them to get the preparations right and ensure the tournament is competitive. I believe Kenya will perform better,” said Ndale.
The government is the main sponsor of the tournament through Talanta Hela. The Talanta Hela is an initiative spearheaded by the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Ababu Namwamba, and its core aim is to monetize talent and revolutionize the country’s sports and creative spaces.
Chipu’s U20 final squad
Raymond Chacha (Strathmore Leos), Brian Makaya (Mean Machine), Vincent Ochieng (Kenya Harlequin), George Otieno (Shamas), Mike Oduor (Daystar Falcons), Michael Wamalwa (KCB), Jeremy Odhiambo (Catholic Monks), Geylord Ngasi (Daystar Falcons), Wickliffe Otieno (Daystar Falcons), Victor Odhiambo(Strathmore Leos), Andycole Omolo (Masinde Muliro), Dennis Kisingú ( Strathmore Leos), Nathan Tsindoli (Daystar Falcons), Laban Kipsang (Kenya Harlequin), Jacktone Omondi (Kabras Sugar), James Tsinalo Asanga (Menengai Oilers), Iddo Kuto (Kenya Harlequin), Stanislaus Shikoli (Strathmore Leos), Spencer Davis (Bryanston School, England), James Olela (Kabras Sugar), Brian Mwendwa (Strathmore Leos), Faran JUma (Kenya Harlequin), Zephenes Obwanga (Catholic Monks), Felix Chacha (Mwamba), Eddy Wambugu (Daystar Falcons), Raphael Wanga (Strathmore Leos), Patrick Wainaina (Kenya Harlequin), Alvin Kalori (Kisumu)
Management: Curtis Olago (Head Coach), Richmond Barasa (Assistant Coach), Benjamin Ojema (assistant coach), William Motto (Assistant Coach), Peter Mutai (Team Manager), Samuel Ochieng (physiotherapist)