Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE’s under-20 Rugby team, the Young Sables, is confident of maintaining their regional dominance when they clash with Kenya in the Barthes Trophy final in Nairobi this Sunday.
Having registered a successful spell at the continental showpiece after thumping top favourites Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia, the Sables proved to be the team to beat through their dominant force without conceding a try.
Shaun De Souzaa’s side are a step away to defend the continental trophy as they meet hosts Kenya in a thrilling final.
The Junior Sables have a super history in the Barthes Trophy chapter after clinching the titles three times in a row in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
The match is promising to be a clash of giants with the East African side hoping to redeem lost pride and prove to their legions of fans that they have what it takes to get the trophy.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe and Kenya have automatically qualified for the Junior World Rugby Under 20 Trophy as Kenya booked the slot as hosts while Zimbabwe qualified as the highest-ranked team.
Zimbabwe are in Pool A alongside Scotland, Uruguay and North America winners between Canada and USA while Kenya is in Pool B alongside Hong Kong, Samoa and Spain.
The 2023 global spectacle is set to kick off on the 15th to the 30th of July in Nairobi.
