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Grace Chingoma-Senior Sports Reporter
THE Young Sables begin their defence of the Barthes Trophy this morning in Kenya when they take on Cote d’Ivoire at Nyayo Stadium.
Zimbabwe national Under-20 lifted the trophy at the same venue last year, backed by ferocious supporters based in the East African country.
They will be hoping to get the same support when they take on the Ivorians in a morning kick-off.
The champions, who are definitely the team to beat at the eight-team tournament, arrived in the East African country on Thursday afternoon.
Young Sables coach Shaun De Souza says they have to bring their best.
“We landed safely in Nairobi. We settled well we had a captain’s run this morning (yesterday) and a bit of a team session.
“It’s a knockout tournament, we have got to bring our best foot forward and give it our all,” said De Souza.
“The boys are in good spirits and looking forward to the game. The predictable weather report says it might rain so we will see how it goes and then we will make the calls as when and we need to,” he said.
De Souza has already boldly declared that they are bringing the trophy back home. But he is also fully aware that this time around it is going to be more difficult than last year.
Zimbabwe beat Namibia 19-14 in last year’s final at the same venue. Namibia also begin their campaign today with a match against Zambia after the Young Sables tie.
Zimbabwe and Namibia are in Group B alongside Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire while hosts Kenya are in Group A together with Madagascar, Tunisia and Zambia.
The Zimbabwean team has received support from the Government and they were hosted by the President at the State House. Financial support has been pledged for the team which is eyeing a World Cup qualification.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union has hailed their sponsors and the parents who have been supportive and made a lot of sacrifices for the team.
Some of the companies that have partnered with the Young Sables in their journey are Nedbank ProTyre fitment Centre, Phero Steel, FX Logistics Firstlink Insurance Brokers, WORK2BEWELL
Young Sables skipper Panashe Zuze who was part of the victorious team last year told the media upon arrival in Kenya that they are looking forward to the game despite being a tough game.
“People doubted us last year, but we proved them wrong. This year, we are confident but also humble. We will work hard and show people what we are capable of.
“It’s going to be a hard game but we are excited. It should be a good game,” said Zuze.
Barthes Trophy winners will join 2019 and 2021 African champions Kenya as Africa’s representatives at the 2023 World Rugby Under-20 Junior Trophy slated for July 15 to 30, this year in Nairobi.
World Rugby U-20 Trophy is the second level of the World Rugby tournament structure for Under-20 national sides in which champions qualify for the top-tier competition, World Rugby U-20 Championship 2024.
Kenya hosted the second-tier global showpiece in 2009, finishing fourth behind Romania, USA and Chile respectively.
This year’s World Rugby U-20 Trophy will involve Kenya (hosts), Barthes Trophy champions (Africa), Scotland (relegated from the World Rugby U-20 Championship in 2019), Hong Kong (Asia), Samoa (Oceania), Spain (Europe), Uruguay (South America) and North America winners between USA and Canada.
Probable team: Gerry Zisengwe, Bryan Chiang, Tadiwa Chinwada, Tanaka GondoMukandapi, Huntley Masterson, Tanaka Ndoro, Allan Mawunga, Gealan Jaricha, Shadreck Mandaza, Brendan Marume, Panashe Mugodogori, Tanaka Chinyanga, Dion Khumalo, Edward Sigauke, Benoni Nhekairo.
Young Sables Squad
Forwards: Happias Zhou, Gary Zisengwe, Stanley Muranganwa, Vincent Chimwendo, Muzuva Gutu, Halger Muchenje, Tadiwa Chinwada, Gealan Jaricha, Tanaka GondoMukandapi, Huntley Masterson, Tawanyasha Bwanya, Ngobile Manyara, Bryan Chiang, allan Mawunga, Leo Mutendi, Tanaka Ndoro.
Backs: Panashe Zuze, Brendan Marume, Dion Khumalo, Brendan Jameson, Shadrick Mandaza, Benoni Nhekairo, Tanaka Chinyanga, Panashe Mugorogodi, Simbarashe Kanyangarara, Alex Nyamunda, Edward Sigauke, Taonaishe Mapani.
Non-Travelling: Tadiwanashe Marumisa, Kelton Kaseke, Takunda Mudzingwa, Kelvin Kaseke.
Heach coach: Shaun De Souza, Assistant coach: Marvin Chirume, Assistant coach: Costa Dinha. Team Manager: Hugh Vera, Physiotherapist: Anne Butau: Analyst/Videographer: Kudzanai Tembo.
Online Reporter