Chipu acquires services of South African tactician ahead of Junior World Cup
July 5, 2023
3 min read
Ahead of the much-awaited Junior Rugby World Trophy tournament, Kenya’s under-20 rugby team Chipu have enlisted the services of Stormers’ skills and defence coach Levi Labeeb to inject his experience into the upcoming prospects.
The tournament which is scheduled to kick off a fortnight at Nyayo stadium will see the South African tactician work on several aspects of play ranging from defence to attack as well as set-piece as Chipu eye a good run at the tournament.
Kenya are in Pool ‘B’ and will open their campaign against Samoa, then face Spain before concluding their preliminary matches against Hong Kong China in the eight-team tournament.
Chipu team manager and former Kenya Sevens talented Scrum-half Peter Mutai said the arrival of the South African will be of great benefit to the young side as they set their targets on progressing and eventually winning the tournament.
“The South African is not new to us given that he has previously worked with KCB and Kenya Sevens and I believe some of the lessons the boys will learn from him will be key as we approach Samoa in the opening match,” said Mutai.
Head coach Curtis Olago today named his final 28-man squad with Kenya Harlequins Laban Kipsang leading the Chipu squad as Captain with Spenser Davis who plies his trade in England with Bryanston School expected to entertain fans with his speed and skill.
Micheal Wamalwa who turns out for Kenya Cup outfit KCB RFC is expected to showcase his experience while marshalling the pack as Kenya prepares to welcome the world for the international show-piece.
The participating teams are Scotland (relegated from the U20 Championship in 2019), Kenya (hosts), Hong Kong (Asia), Samoa (Oceania), Spain (Europe), Uruguay (South America), Zimbabwe (Africa) and USA (North America).
It is the second time Kenya is hosting the U20 Trophy, having done so in 2009 when the tournament was known as the Junior World Rugby Trophy.
Kenya finished that tournament in fourth place after a 19-17 third-place play-off defeat to Chile, which remains their best U20 Trophy finish to date.
The winners will be promoted to the U20 Championship replacing the team that finishes bottom in that competition (24 June – 14 July, South Africa) who will drop down to the U20 Trophy in 2024.
The Kenya U20 squad to the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Nairobi from 15th to 30th July 2023:
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 KisingĂş ( Strathmore Leos), Nathan Tsindoli (Daystar Falcons), Laban Kipsang (Kenya Harlequin), Jacktone Omondi (Kabras Sugar), James Tsinalo Asanga (Menengai Oilers), Iddo Kuto (Kenya Harlequin), Stanslaus 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 Aluoch (Head Coach), Richmond Barasa (Assistant Coach), Benjamin Ojema (Assistant Coach), William Motto (Assistant Coach), Peter Mutai (Team Manager), Samuel Ochieng ( Physio)
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