Bullish Lionesses coach Mwanja eyes African rugby success
National 7s women rugby team coaches Dennis Mwanja (left) and Simon Odongo during a training session at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on May 9, 2024.
What you need to know:
- The Lionesses, under coach Dennis Mwanja, will play against hosts Madagascar, South Africa, and Uganda.
- The Lionesses are scheduled to leave the country for the Indian Ocean island nation on Wednesday night.
Kenya Lionesses will be hoping for a better outing at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Antananarivo than their performance last year when they finished third.
The Lionesses, under coach Dennis Mwanja, will meet Madagascar, three-time champions South Africa, and newly-promoted Uganda in the top-tier Africa 15-a-side rugby tournament at the Stade Makis from June 7-15. The tournament will be played on a round robin format.
“We are ready for the competition. We are going to win,” Mwanja said on Wednesday morning.
The Lionesses are scheduled to leave the country for the Indian Ocean island nation on Wednesday night.
To lay their hands on the coveted trophy, the Lionesses will need to be ruthless from the first match.
Mwanja’s side still has memories of losing to Madagascar in the opening match of last year’s Africa Cup at the same venue.
National 7s women rugby team coaches Dennis Mwanja (left) and Simon Odongo during a training session at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on May 9, 2024.
Kenya, the 2019 and 2023 silver medal winners, went on to lose 63-5 to eventual winners South Africa in their second match before surviving relegation by beating Cameroon 39-17.
The Lionesses got their revenge against Madagascar whom they thrashed 63-19 when these two teams met in a test match in September last year at the RFUEA grounds, Nairobi.
Save for injured Judith Okumu, all the players from the national seven-a-side team, Kenya Lionesses, who featured in the Challenger Series and Play-offs, have been included in the 15s side.
They are Grace Okulu, Sheila Chajira, Phoebe Akinyi, Naomi Amuguni, Edith Nariaka, Diana Awino, Freshia Awino, Christabel Lindo, Faith Livoi, Moreen Muritu, Stella Wafula and Sinaida Mokoya.
Kenya Lionesses squad:
Forwards: Jane Chanya, Natasha Emali, Katundu Ivonee, Khaleyi Noleen, Naomi Muhanji, Wesa Sheila, Akinyi Mitchell, Knight Otwoma, Phoebe Akinyi, Maureen Chebet (vice-captain), Enid Ouma (captain), Naomi Jelagat, Naomi Amuguni, Sheila Chajira, Nelly Chikombe, Kimani Dorris
Backs: Edith Nariaka (vice-captain), Ann Njeri, Grace Okulu, Diana Awino, Freshia Awino, Oketch Yvette, Juma Angel Charity, Christabel Lindo, Faith Livoi, Moreen Muritu, Stella Wafula, Sinaida Mokaya