eBusiness Weekly
The Namibia Rugby Union Monday evening unveiled its Under 20 Men’s Rugby Team destined for the upcoming Barthes Trophy Tournament in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.
The tournament, slated to take place from 18 to 28 April, serves as Africa’s premier U20 championship, drawing participation from eight formidable teams across the continent.
Namibia will kick off their campaign on the tournament’s second day, facing off against defending champions Zimbabwe in their opening fixture.
Zimbabwe’s U20 team has clinched victory in the last two editions, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the clash.
The squad unveiled by the NRU comprises a talented lineup of players poised to represent Namibia on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Rugby Union has released a 25 men’s squad which will represent the Junior Sables during the Barthes Trophy which Zimbabwe is hosting from April 18 – 26.
The squad was trimmed from a 40 men’s provisional squad which had been training together for the past two weeks.
Rugby star Tendai Beast Mtawarira has tipped Zimbabwe Rugby Union to put the right structures in place and make sure the Sables qualify for the Rugby World Cup.
Mtawarira is one of the many talented rugby players from Zimbabwe who went on to represent another country.
“I believe that Zimbabwe has some of the best rugby talent in the world, but it’s always unfortunate the guys end up representing other nations. “But I always believe that now it’s time for Zim Rugby to put their hands together and qualify for the next World Cup, the talent is here all that is needed is more investment and help in funding so that the boys can be ready,” said Beast.
Beyond the regional rivalry, the Barthes Trophy Tournament holds significant stakes, with the ultimate victor earning coveted qualification for the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy.
This year, all eyes will be on Scotland, as the prestigious event is set to grace the Edinburgh Rugby Stadium for the first time in its history. —namibiaeconomist
