NAIROBI, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan rugby 15s U20 head coach, Paul Odera has put his faith in Bonface Ochieng to lead his side for the 2019 Barthes Cup where the hosts will be hoping to clinch the ticket to represent Africa at the World Junior trophy later this year.
Speaking whilst unveiling his team for the tournament, Odera tipped his side to go all the way with his team scheduled to open their campaign in the four-nation tournament against Tunisia on Thursday afternoon in Nairobi.
Ochieng will be deputized by Samuel Asati as the vice-captain with the head coach handing the pair responsibilities in order to tap into their experience in the 2018 squad that finished third behind champions Namibia and Tunisia.
Namibia will get the 2019 Barthes Cup under way with a clash against Senegal before the hosts take to the field at the same venue.
"The second thing we were looking at from the team is those who are able to quickly adjust to the pattern of play expected in both attack and defense. We had to get a balance of personalities as well as players who can quickly adjust to the patterns of play," Odera declared.
"This group of guys has a special feel about them. They have come together very quickly as a team, much quicker than we've had in the previous four years that we've been together as the management team," the Chipu told reporters when he unveiled his team for the continental showpiece.
Namibia were the overall champions in the 2018 Barthes Cup based on a superior aggregate. Tunisia who were the Northern Region Champions were second while Kenya and Senegal finished third and fourth.
Kenya will play Tunisia after champions and tournament favorites Namibia open their defense with a clash against Senegal at the same venue.
