Barthes Cup: Tchumcam warns against complacency as Uganda face Zambia
Uganda beat Zambia 81-0 in the opening game of Division I to earn a promotion to the Performance Division.
Uganda's Ambrose Ssebalijja breaks through the Zambian defence to score a try. Coach Tchumcam wants a running game today. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Today Barthes Cup fixtures
Division I
Uganda v Zambia, 10am
Performance Division
Namibia v Kenya,3pm
Tunisia v Zimbabwe,12pm
Coach Martial Tchumcam has cautioned his players against complacency as they face Zambia in the return leg of the U20 Barthes Cup today at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
Uganda beat Zambia 81-0 in the opening game of Division I to earn a promotion to the Performance Division, but coach Tchumcam says that is history and looks forward to a totally different game today.
"We are taking on a new challenge. The 81-0 result of the first game is not something we look at, but an improved game to get a convincing win," Tchumcam said.
The tactician will field more backs players to apply fast and quick rugby, given that they are playing uncontested scrum rugby.
In the first leg, Uganda was caught off-guard when their opponents requested uncontested scrums because they did not have forwards. This is allowed in rugby for safety purposes in age-grade rugby.
"Last time we started slow because we had lined up forwards, but this time we are going to field a running squad and also give other players the opportunity to test international exposure," Tchumcam added.
Meanwhile, in the Performance Division, Kenya face defending champions Namibia in a grueling final, with the winner qualifying for the U20 World Cup next year.
In the semi-finals, Namibia beat Tunisia 11-6, while Kenya saw off Zimbabwe 35-23.
The loser in the Tunisia versus Zimbabwe game will be relegated to Division I next year.