U20 Sables are optimistic about defending their Barthes Trophy

The under-20 Sables team under the wings of coach, Shaun De Souza started their qualifying match against Ivory Coast in a positive way.

The two teams faced each other at Nyayo Stadium where the Barthes Rugby Cup is being held.

Zimbabwe who is the defending champs scored 55 points against Ivory Coast who had 0 points in their opening game on Saturday.

The Zimbabwe trials were shared among the team members; Mawunga (2), Dino Khumalo, Tanaka Ndoro, Tanaka Mukandapi, and others had at least one each.

Players such as the Sables Vice Captain, Tanaka Gondo Mukandapi, Panashe Zuze the Captain, and Brendan Marume are part of the Squad. Some sports commentators believe that Zimbabwe is in safe hands and will be able to return the title back home.

On the other hand, Zimbabwean Captain Shaun De Souza felt delighted after the match and said the Sables Squad needs some polishing as they are preparing for the match with Tunisia.

Zimbabwe will face Tunisia on Wednesday.

In their opening match, Tunisia battled Madagascar. The game ended 50-16 in favor of Tunisia.
The last time Zimbabwe faced off with Tunisia at the Barthes, Zimbabwe beat Tunisia 19-18, thanks to Tanaka Gondo Mukandapi’s Trial.

Currently, eight teams are contesting for the title: Zambia, Uganda, Tunisia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Ivory Coast, and Madagascar.

The winner will qualify to contest next year at the World Rugby Junior’s Championship organized by the World Rugby.