As the 2025 Barthes Trophy kicks off this Saturday, all eyes in Zimbabwe will be fixed on the Junior Sables, who return to the continental stage with a score to settle and pride to reclaim.
Last year’s tournament, hosted on home soil, ended in heartbreak for Zimbabwe. After a strong start, the Junior Sables stumbled in the final against archrivals Kenya, handing over not only the trophy but also the prized qualification spot for the World Rugby U20 Trophy. The loss cut deep—not just because it came in front of a home crowd, but because it shattered a potential historic hat trick after back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.
For many, the 2024 campaign was lost long before kickoff. Buoyed by past success, the team walked into the tournament riding a wave of overconfidence. The swagger that once symbolized dominance became their downfall. In the final clash, it was clear: Kenya came hungrier, sharper, and more disciplined.
This year, however, the tone is different. Head coach Shaun de Souza has been deliberate in reshaping the mindset of his young squad. Training camps have been more intense, preparation more detailed, and the message from the top has been clear—no complacency, no shortcuts.
Zimbabwe face stiff competition once again, with Namibia, Tunisia, and reigning champions Kenya all looking to make their mark. Kenya, still riding high from their World Trophy appearance, will be eager to defend their title, while Namibia’s physicality and Tunisia’s unpredictability add further intrigue to what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.
For the Junior Sables, this year’s Barthes Trophy is more than just a rugby tournament—it’s a chance at redemption. A chance to prove that the heartache of 2024 was a lesson learned, not a trend started. And if de Souza’s squad can channel their hunger into disciplined, passionate rugby, Zimbabwe might just find themselves back on top of African junior rugby—and back on the path to the world stage.
