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The winger has advised the current team to be motivated to make history just like the Class of 2019 while using home advantage to the fullest
Kenya Simbas winger Beldad Ogeta feels the country’s Under-20 team should not be worried about winning the 2023 Bathers Trophy as long as they are motivated and have home support.
Ogeta, who was part of Kenya’s team that won the 2019 Bathers title in Nairobi, feels these are among the key ingredients for the team, popularly known as Chipu, to wrestle the title from holders Zimbabwe.
Chipu head coach Curtis Olago expressed his concern about the lack of experience in his team for this year’s tournament set to be held at Nyayo National Stadium from April 22-30 after only including four players from the team that finished third last year.
However, with Kenya hosting the tournament for a fourth straight time, Ogeta feels the Class of 2023 can draw inspiration from the title-winning side of 2019 since they faced the same circumstances.
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20:25 - 11.04.2023
RUGBY Olago hopes inexperience will not affect Chipu’s Barthes Cup chances
The Kenya Under-20 coach will only be counting on four returning stars from the 'Class of 2022' at this year’s tournament in Nairobi
“As a team, we really wanted to win, and then the fans came through for us,” Ogeta told the Under-20 Bathers Trophy media team.
“Of course, playing at home has its advantages. The fans showed up and rallied behind us, which is something that gave us the confidence we needed for those tense moments.
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09:32 - 28.03.2023
RUGBY Chipu intensify preparations ahead of Barthes Cup
The final squad will be named in due course.
“We also wanted to make history. Our coaches kept on motivating us throughout the tournament, and we knew that we could be history makers, at home, in front of one of the most passionate crowds in the world.
“Anything is possible. Use the home advantage to the fullest. The fans will show up, and it will be up to you to make them proud. We are celebrating our win four years later; it is always good to be part of history. I wish them all the best.”
Captain Laban Kipsang of Kenya Harlequin, club-mate Dave Mwangi, Mwamba’s Felix Chacha, and Strathmore Leos’ Stanslous Shikoli are the only returning stars in Olago’s squad and they will be expected to lead the rest in the continental tournament in Nairobi.
Defending champions Zimbabwe and last year’s beaten finalists Namibia are still seen as the favourites while Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia, Madagascar and the Ivory Coast will also pose some resistance.
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