For Chipu captain Justine Lunale, Friday’s 35-21 victory over Zimbabwe was more than just another win.
It was a defining moment in his young rugby career, one that has brought Kenya within 80 minutes of reclaiming the Rugby Africa Barthés Trophy.
Leading the national Under-20 side for the first time, Lunale marshalled his troops with composure and determination as Chipu produced an impressive display to book a date with defending champions Namibia in Tuesday’s final.
The Kenyan skipper could not hide his delight after the final whistle, crediting the team’s preparation and commitment for overcoming a spirited Zimbabwean side.
“The boys were well trained and executed everything we were taught by the coaches, and we came out fighting up to the last minute,” said Lunale.
His words reflected exactly how the contest unfolded. Chipu controlled the opening exchanges through disciplined phase play, dominance at the breakdown and clinical finishing whenever opportunities arose.
Kenya struck first through the dependable boot of Faran Juma before Jackson Siketi’s perfectly weighted chip kick was chased down by Brian Kiptanui for the opening try.
Rayvon Ambale then sliced through Zimbabwe’s defensive line for Chipu’s second five-pointer before Mike Lukusi capitalised on a loose ball at the base of a ruck to send Kenya into the halftime break with a commanding 23-6 advantage.
Zimbabwe mounted a spirited comeback after the restart, crossing twice to reduce the deficit and pile pressure on the Kenyans. However, Chipu remained composed under pressure.
The forwards answered with a powerful rolling maul that allowed hooker Jibril Joseph to crash over before another flowing backline move ended with Dennis Ndayala sprinting clear to score and effectively seal Kenya’s place in the final.
While fullback Faran Juma deservedly walked away with the Player of the Match award after an outstanding all-round display, Lunale’s leadership throughout the contest ensured Chipu never lost belief despite Zimbabwe’s second-half resurgence.
Attention now shifts to the tournament decider against Namibia, the reigning champions who edged Tunisia 11-6 in the day’s opening fixture to keep alive their hopes of winning a record fourth Barthés Trophy crown.
For Lunale, however, the Zimbabwe victory is already in the past.
The captain insists Kenya must return to the drawing board, iron out the mistakes from the semi-final and prepare for one final battle with the continental title on the line.
“After this match we are going back to the drawing board and check on the mistakes we might have made. Then we will come back again and fight until the last minute until we win this title. We last won it in 2024, and this time we want to win it and qualify for the championship,” he said.
Those words underline the belief within the Chipu camp. Rather than celebrating reaching the final, the squad remains firmly focused on completing the job and returning Kenya to the summit of African junior rugby.
The occasion also carries personal significance for Lunale. Captaining the national side for the first time and guiding them into a continental final is an achievement he admits will remain close to his heart.
“As a captain, this is my first time being a captain and this win means a lot to me,” he said.
Despite the milestone, the skipper was quick to shift the spotlight away from himself, instead acknowledging the people who have helped Chipu reach the final.
“I thank God, our coaches and my teammates for fighting for this win,” Lunale added.
Now, only Namibia stand between Chipu and continental glory.
Kenya will head into Tuesday’s final full of confidence after producing one of their most complete performances of the tournament.
If they can replicate the same intensity at the set piece, maintain their physical edge around the breakdown and convert scoring opportunities with the same efficiency they showed against Zimbabwe, Lunale and his teammates could write another memorable chapter in Kenya’s rugby history by bringing the Barthés Trophy back home.
Kenya U20 (Chipu) Starting XV vs Zimbabwe
- Daudi Jabita
- Jibril Joseph
- Mike Muriithi
- Thomas Odhiambo
- Jaden Oyier
- John Ombango
- Maxwell Kipsang
- Justine Ng’ombe
- Michael Olukusi
- Jackson Siketi
- Abdul Zubeir
- Rayvon Ambale
- Dennis Ndayala
- Brian Kiptanui
- Faran Juma
Replacements: Monda Tsuyoshi, Jacktone Olali, Innocent Indeche, Joshua Suja, Aldrine Andaje, Matrix Matanga, Loren Myanolo, Ezekiel Apida.
Rugby Africa Barthés Trophy – Upcoming Fixture (EAT)
Tuesday, 11 August
- 3:00 PM:Kenya (Chipu) vs Namibia – Barthés Trophy Final
- 12:00 PM: Tunisia vs Zimbabwe (Third-place Playoff)