Former Kenya Simbas Head Coach Paul Odera has emphasized the importance of Kenya Rugby Union arranging quality opponents for the Kenya U20 team in friendly matches ahead of the World U20 Trophy.

Odera, who led the Kenyan U20 team, known as Chipu, to the 2019 World Junior Trophy, acknowledges the challenges they faced during the tournament.

Kenya U20 difficult

According to Odera, one of the main difficulties stems from the disparities among teams participating in the competition.

Many of these teams comprise players from superior academies and professional clubs. Odera believes that having players from such well-established unions gives these teams an advantage, making the tournament exceptionally tough.

Reflecting on his coaching experience in 2019 when Chipu competed in Brazil, Odera describes it as a baptism of fire.

He observed that some teams boasted semi-professional players and individuals honing their skills in top-tier academies and professional clubs. In comparison, the Kenyan U20 team faced the challenge of competing against more polished and experienced opponents.

“The Junior World Trophy is a tough tournament. When I was coaching the under-20 side in 2019, we went to Brazil and it was a baptism of fire. You find teams that have semi-pro players, players who are in academies and professional teams.

Paul Odera coached the Kenya U20s between 2016 and 2019, leading them to victory at the Rugby Africa Barthes U20 Trophy in 2019, and with it, qualification to that year’s World Rugby U20 Trophy in Brazil.

These are his thoughts on the tournament.#WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/6rv8bqQTbt

— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) June 20, 2023

“You find teams with polished players and well-established unions such as Scotland who are coming and the United States as well, ” he told KRU Media.

To ensure that the Kenya U20 team is adequately prepared for the demanding tournament, Odera suggests scheduling two or three matches against tough opposition.

These matches would serve as crucial warm-up games, enabling the team to face opponents who are either stronger or similar in strength to the teams they will encounter in July.

“I think our under-20s need to be prepared for a tough tournament and it will be wise for the to get two or three tough matches against opposition that are stronger or close to teams they are set to play in July,” he added.

Kenya U20 opener

The World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament is set to kick off on July 15 at the Nyayo National Stadium, and Kenya U20 day one opponents have been confirmed with thrilling fixtures lined up across all matchdays.

The tournament will consist of 16 matches played over a span of 15 days. The group stage will feature three match days, with each team playing three matches within their respective pools.

In the first match of the day, Scotland will go head-to-head with African Champions Zimbabwe at 10:00 am.

The second match of the day will see Samoa will face off against Kenya in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The home team, Kenya, will enter the field hoping to make a resounding statement against a formidable Samoan side.

The afternoon session will feature Uruguay taking on the USA, and Spain squaring off against Hong Kong China.

Looking ahead, the tournament promises even more excitement as the matches progress. Match Day 2, scheduled for Thursday, July 20, will witness Samoa taking on Hong Kong China, Uruguay clashing with Zimbabwe, Scotland facing the USA, and Spain challenging Kenya.

Match Day 3, set for Tuesday, July 25, will feature thrilling encounters between the USA and Zimbabwe, Kenya and Hong Kong China, Spain and Samoa, and Scotland and Uruguay.

The pinnacle of the tournament, Match Day 4 on Sunday, July 30, will see the top teams from Group A and Group B battle it out for the ultimate prize.

The tournament winners will earn a promotion to the U20 Championship, replacing the team that finishes at the bottom of the competition, which will then drop down to the U20 Trophy in 2024.

World Rugby U20 Trophy, Nyayo National Stadium

Match Day 1 | Saturday 15 July 2023

Scotland v Zimbabwe | 10.00am

Samoa v Kenya | 12.00pm

Uruguay v USA | 2.00pm

Spain v Hong Kong China | 4.00pm

Match Day 2 | Thursday 20 July 2023

Samoa v Hong Kong China | 10.00am

Uruguay v Zimbabwe | 12.00pm

Scotland v USA | 2.00pm

Spain v Kenya | 4.00pm

Match Day 3 | Tuesday 25 July 2023

USA v Zimbabwe | 10.00am

Kenya v Hong Kong China | 12.00pm

Spain v Samoa | 2.00pm

Scotland v Uruguay | 4.00pm

Match Day 4 | Sunday 30 July 2023

Group A 4^th v Group B 4^th | 10.00am

Group A 3^rd v Group B 3^rd | 12.00pm

Group A 2^nd v Group B 2^nd | 2.00pm

Group A 1^st v Group B 1^st | 4.00pm