The Kenya U20 rugby team opened the 2024 Rugby Africa Barthes Cup with a 36-28 win against Namibia at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on April 20. The team, under Simon Jawichre’s leadership, had a strong start, taking an early lead with a successful penalty conversion by Patrick Wainana. Despite Namibia’s attempts to equalize, Michael Wamalwa’s try maintained Kenya’s lead at halftime. The team expanded their lead further, but faltered in the second half, allowing Namibia to narrow the gap.

However, a last-minute try secured a 34-28 victory for Kenya. The starting front row comprised of Darrel Oluoch, Bramwell Anekea, and Geylord Ngasi, with Eugene Etale and Andycole Omolo as the locks. Captain Edmond Omondi, Nathan Tsindoli, and Iddo Kuta formed the loose forwards in this intense encounter. Next, the team is set to face Tunisia on Wednesday, April 24, and then Zimbabwe in the final match on Saturday, April 27.

The tournament adopts a round-robin format, with the winner earning the opportunity to represent the African continent at the 2024 World Rugby U20 trophy in Scotland in July.