The 2025 Barthes Trophy has proven to be a true learning curve for the Junior Sables, who suffered their second loss of the tournament with a narrow 21-20 defeat to Kenya’s Chipu.
The match began ominously for the Sables, as early handling errors gifted Kenya possession. For two full minutes, the Chipu relentlessly attacked, phase after phase, but the Sables’ defence initially held firm. However, in the third minute, Kenya exploited an overlap on the right wing to score the opening try, putting immediate pressure on the Zimbabweans.
Kenya continued to dominate physically, making powerful, bounding runs through a brittle Sables defence. A penalty in the ninth minute extended their lead to 8-0. When the Junior Sables did manage to secure possession, their handling remained scrappy and disorganised, offering little promise of a turnaround.
Eventually, Zimbabwe found some rhythm deep in Kenya’s 22-metre area. However, a crucial knock-on allowed Kenya to clear their lines. In the 31st minute, following a series of penalties, Kenya were reduced to 14 men after a yellow card, and the Sables seized the opportunity. A converted try in the 32nd minute cut the deficit to 8-7. Shortly before the break, a second Kenyan yellow card left Chipu two men down.
The Junior Sables took full advantage early in the second half. Emmanuel Gabi crossed the line to put Zimbabwe ahead for the first time, 12-8. Moments later, from a scrum deep in their own 22, Tadiwa Maradze sparked a sensational full-length try, weaving past defenders to extend the lead to 17-11.
The momentum was firmly with Zimbabwe, and a penalty conversion by Chinyadza on the hour mark pushed the score to 20-11. Yet Kenya, true to their reputation, refused to yield. A quick-tap try in the 66th minute by Kipcheche brought them back to within two points at 20-18.
In the dying stages, the Junior Sables’ hopes unravelled. A penalty conceded in the 78th minute allowed Kenya to slot the winning kick and snatch the match 21-20. Zimbabwe’s last-ditch effort fell short as a handling error sealed their fate.
Meanwhile, Namibia lifted the 2025 Barthes Trophy after winning all three of their matches and securing a place at the Junior World Trophy.
For Zimbabwean rugby supporters, tough questions must be asked. Were the successes of 2022 and 2023 simply a golden period, or are there deeper systemic issues within the Junior Sables’ setup that need urgent addressing?
