Online Reporter
By Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUNIOR SABLES coach Shaun De Souza has thrown his weight behind the new-format Barthés Trophy, which he believes will bring the best out of all participants.
The 2026 U20 Barthés Trophy has introduced a new split-tier tournament format featuring Division One and the Performance Division. It will take place at the Mutesa II Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, from August 7-15, 2026.
The changes are expected to provide young players with more competitive matches while creating a clearer pathway for developing rugby nations. Rugby Africa hopes the new structure will create more balanced contests by grouping teams with similar levels of competition.
The Performance Division, which will be the main tournament, will feature top-tier contenders Zimbabwe (Junior Sables), defending champions Namibia, Kenya, and Tunisia.
The Division One category will feature developing and host nations Uganda, Zambia, Madagascar, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The main tournament will kick off at the semi-final stage, with Zimbabwe taking on Kenya while defending champions Namibia square off against Tunisia on August 7.
The winners of the two matches will then meet in the final on August 11, while the losers contest the third-place play-off.
“I think it’s a good initiative from Rugby Africa. It provides a platform for teams in the tournament to play strength on strength,” said the Junior Sables coach.
“It’s no good for a team who won the tournament the year before to come in on day one and play a team and win by 60 points.
“I don’t think the team that is losing by 60 points is learning anything.
“However, if they split the tiers, then both the top and developmental teams will be on equal footing and play strength on strength in the top four.
“This is going to help the standard go up and build competitiveness.
“If you look at the Tier One team pool, Namibia also went on tour this year, while the Kenyans were doing their own inland competitions to build for this event.
“So, I think everyone knows what’s up for grabs and are putting in the work and investing in their teams to prepare them for the tournaments,” he said.
De Souza also believes that promotion and relegation provide an incentive for all eight teams, in both competitions, to up their game and do well.
“A qualifier for the winner to a bigger tournament is definitely something to play for and to work towards,” said De Souza.
The team leaves tomorrow, after which they will square off against Kenya on Friday.
Zimbabwe Junior Sables Squad
Obinna Nweke, Vimbiso Kasvosve, Nyasha Ngwarati, Sibusiso Sibanda, Kudakwashe Kachambwa, Blessed Mukuwiri, Bongani Msipa, Cyril Cherayi, Tavonga Chirisa, Kudzai Sakirai, Mthabisi Ndlovu, Rufaro Shenje, Prosper Zimbango, Joshua Mbanefo, Brendon Musekiwa, Zane Sibanda, Connor Lovatt, Tanaka Masawi, Denzel Dhave, Joshua Littlewood, Michael Chimedza, Joshua Chitehwe, Donnell Muyaka, Philip Chimhaka, Nasha Nyakujarah, Curtis Mashonganyika, Rukudzo Mandinga, Wayne Ganniwa, Munyaradzi Nyabvute, Munangi Kamwendo, Takudzwa Matsvimbo
Non-Travelling players (Injuries)
Tapiwa Zhanda
Mudiwa Mtemererwa
Team Management
Shaun De Souza: Head Coach
Marvin Chirume: Assistant Coach
Anne Butau: Physiotherapist
Hugh Vera: Manager
Lucky Sithole: Strength and Conditioning Coach
Shelton Chiuswa: Analyst
Kudzanai Tembo: Videographer
