Dennis Mwanja, the Kenya Lionesses coach is keen to have at least five or more new players in the squad to ensure continuity.

Speaking exclusively to www.thesportsnewsarena.com from Monaco where the team is playing in the World Rugby Sevens Repechage qualifier, Mwanja, a former Kenya Sevens player said it was inevitable to blood younger players if Kenya has to maintain an upward trajectory. Already, the coach is planning ahead for an inevitable transition when some of the players become unavailable.

The changes are not immediate, Mwanja confirmed adding that he was satisfied with the current squad that qualified for the quarter finals of the qualifier. “We are looking at having a solid base where players will get the necessary exposure and experience in a bigger stage than this,” Mwanja clarified.

Commenting about the match against Argentina which Kenya narrowly won 19-17, Mwanja explained the technical bench was aware of the task ahead and were prepared. He did not want to divulge much about their tactics ahead of the clash with the South Americans.

Mwanja also noticed considerable growth in the team which put up a good fight in the Challenger Series before falling off the pace due to issues which were outside the team’s control. One of the noticeable changes in Monaco, according to Mwanja, was the stangard of officiating by the Paris-bound referees. “They have done a good job,” Mwanja stated.

Lifted the squad

In Monaco, Kenya Lionesses were boosted by the presence of Janet Okelo and Grace Okulu who are based in Japan. The duo were not available for the third leg of the Challenger Series in Poland. “Their experience and understanding of the game has lifted the squad who are determined to win each match,” the coach offered.

One of the players who is constantly knocking on the doors for a regular place is Freshia Oduor who scored a try against Argentina. At the moment, the technical bench wants to give as many players as possible a chance to experience the big stage.

The team remains vibrant with an Olympic slot in sight, a feat Mwanja, the players and the technical bench believe is an achievable feat. There was no doubt that China, winners of the Challenger Series and promotion to the core status has been on the lips of everyone. Mwanja agreed. “They are organized, understand the game but not unbeatable,” he opined.

The other two teams on the radar are Hong Kong China and Poland who have vastly improved from the Challenger Series. There is no mention of Uganda’s She Cranes who completed their pool matches unbeaten. The East Africans are capable of beating any team.

Kept players focused

Kenya’s progress which has kept the players focused and hungry because they understand the destiny and future is in their hands is also attributed to Chris Brown who has been seconded to the Kenya Rugby Union by World Rugby. Brown, who has had a stint in Kenya before moving to the USA and later World Rugby has a good understanding of the players and the game.

His input for the men’s team – Shujaa – and the women’s team has not gone unnoticed by Mwanja. “He has a wealth of experience, attention to detail and has dissected the moving parts of our game. He has ensured we polished many areas and is also receptive and adaptable which has helped our game a lot,” Mwanja admitted.

The coach added Brown has also brought a lot of professionalism, helped in understanding of the game and inspired many players to raise their game. These are most of the qualities Kenya Lionesses will bring on the table when they face Argentina in the quarter final on Sunday.