Head coach Curtis Aluoch has named the Chipu matchday squad that will kick off Kenya’s World Rugby U20 Trophy campaign on Saturday, July 15, at Nyayo Stadium.
Kenya U20 chipu will begin the tournament with a match against Samoa, and Aluoch has stated what he expects and how they will deal with their Saturday rivals.
Aluoch prepared
“We have prepared well for this tournament. We understand the level of competition that we are playing in and the caliber of the opponent we are facing, but we believe that the boys will play their hearts out before the home fans.
“We are aware of the physical threat that Samoa poses, but we play to our strengths and take our chances, not only on Saturday but throughout the tournament,” Aluoch said as he revealed the matchday squad.
Wamalwa optimistic
Earlier, Kenya U20 captain Michael Wamalwa explained how the World U20 Tournament is a great moment for him. He also said that given that the tournament is held in Nairobi, Chipu have an advantage.
“It is a great feeling to captain this team on home soil and in front of our home fans. This is one memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“The fact that we are donning the national colours in front of our own fans. Many long for this moment, and we are honoured to be representing the country on the global stage,” Wamalwa said.
Kenya U20 matchday squad vs Samoa U20
15.Faran Juma, 14. Alvin Kalori, 13. Mike Wamalwa (Captain), 12. Chacha Masega, 11. Raphael Wanga, 10. Eddy Wambugu, 9. Patrick Wainaina, 1. Geylord Ngasi, 2. Jeremy Odhiambo, 3. Raymond Chacha, 4. Stanslaus Shikoli, 5. Andy Cole Omolo, 6. Laban Kipsang, 7. Iddo Kuta, 8. Jacktone Omondi
Replacements: 16. George Otieno, 17. Wickliffe Ogutu, 18. Mike Oduor, 19. Edmond Omondi, 20. Vincent Omondi, 21. Brian Mwendwa, 22. Spencer Davies, 23. Victor Odhiambo.
World Rugby U20 Trophy, Nyayo National Stadium
Match Day 1 | Saturday, July 15, 2023
Scotland v Zimbabwe | 10.00am
Samoa v Kenya | 12.00pm
Uruguay v USA | 2.00pm
Spain v Hong Kong China | 4.00pm
Match Day 2 | Thursday, July 20, 2023
Samoa v Hong Kong China | 10.00am
Uruguay v Zimbabwe | 12.00pm
Scotland v USA | 2.00pm
Match Day 3 | Tuesday 25 July 2023
Spain v Kenya | 4.00pm
USA v Zimbabwe | 10.00am
Kenya v Hong Kong China | 12.00pm
Spain v Samoa | 2.00pm
Scotland v Uruguay | 4.00pm
Match Day 4 | Sunday, July 30, 2023
Group A 4th v Group B 4th | 10.00am
Group A 3rd v Group B 3rd | 12.00pm
Group A 2nd v Group B 2nd | 2.00pm
Group A 1st v Group B 1st | 4.00pm
