By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe have named an entirely new-look Junior Sables squad for the 2026 Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthes Trophy, with none of last year’s players retained as they seek to reclaim the continental title in Uganda.
The Junior Sables open their campaign against Kenya in the semi-finals at Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala on August 7, hoping to avenge their defeat to the same opponents in the 2024 final after Namibia lifted the trophy in Harare last year.
The travelling squad, announced on Sunday, will be led by co-captains Munangi Kamwendo and Takudzwa Matsvimbo, with Connor Lovatt and Vimbiso Kasvosve serving as vice-captains.
Returning to East Africa for this year’s tournament, head coach Shaun de Souza said Zimbabwe’s focus was on preparing a squad capable of challenging for the title while continuing to develop players for the senior national team.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” De Souza told Rugby Africa Media.
“Every campaign has presented different challenges, different squads and different lessons. We’ve celebrated success, experienced disappointment, and continued to grow and learn.
“We’re extremely motivated. Success isn’t something you inherit; it’s something you earn every single day.
“Our focus isn’t on talking about winning the title. Our focus is on preparing exceptionally well, building a connected team and performing to our potential.
“We’re fortunate to have a balanced squad with a good mix of physicality, athleticism and rugby intelligence. We have players who I believe have the potential to become future Sables.”
This year’s Barthes Trophy has been split into two divisions. Zimbabwe, defending champions Namibia, Kenya and Tunisia will compete in the Championship tournament, while hosts Uganda, Zambia, Madagascar and Côte d’Ivoire will contest the First Division.
Zimbabwe face Kenya in one semi-final, with Namibia taking on Tunisia in the other. The winners will meet in the final on August 15.
The Junior Sables won back-to-back Barthes Trophy titles in 2022 and 2023 before Kenya ended their reign with a 28-13 victory in the 2024 final. Namibia then claimed the 2025 title in Harare with an emphatic 81-7 win over Tunisia, becoming the first nation to win three titles since the competition was rebranded in 2017.
Zimbabwe will now look to begin a new chapter with a fresh generation of players as they attempt to reclaim the African crown and strengthen the pipeline to the senior Sables side.
