The focus of Kenya Lionesses remains Ivory Coast whom they face in the first match of the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens tournament that kicks off on November 15, 2025 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground.

Simon Odongo, the interim coach said their aim is to concentrate on winning their opening match before thinking about the next opponent Ghana whom they have beaten twice. In an interview with www.thesportsnewsarena.com, Odongo affirmed that the focus has not changed from the time Kenya played in the World Rugby Challenger Series and the annual Safari Sevens.

The coach reaffirmed: “We are the best women’s team in Africa,” despite the seeding which put South Africa as the top seeds. This year, Kenya Lionesses played South Africa four times, winning twice in South Africa and once in Los Angeles, USA. He is aware that other teams will be gunning to knock the hosts off their top spot.

Time Off

After Safari Sevens, the players took some time off before re-assembling. Although Kenya has already qualified for the World Rugby Sevens 2 tournament, the aim is to win the Africa Cup. As a result, Odongo included two trialists Eunice Obadiah and Beatrice Osimbo in the wider squad of 24 players in camp.

Admittedly, the technical bench knows how tough it will be to name the final squad. “A couple of players are still out but we have confidence in anyone who puts on the jersey,” Odongo stated. By fielding two teams at Safari Sevens, Odongo hinted at building depth for the World Rugby second tier competition as Kenya eyes climbing to the top tier that has eight teams.

Although Kenya have a home advantage, the plan is to progress to the final while keeping an eye on South Africa, Uganda and Madagascar which are some of the top teams in the competition. “Whenever we have faced South Africa at the Africa Cup, we have not been at our peak,” Odongo explained about the debacle in the Africa Cup.

The pressure, it seems, is on South Africa who are gunning to climb back to the tier two and one competitions. Kenya Lionesses received a boost after Grace Okulu and Janet Okelo joined the training camp. Okelo has not played for the team in one year and Okulu captained Kenya Lionesses to the Challenger Series title. 

Final Team

Both players must fight for their place in the final team of 13 in the absence of two other key players Stella Wafula and Diana Owino who are currently at the Rhinos High Performance Camp in the USA. 

After Safari Sevens, Kenya Lionesses have been working on team chemistry since a few players have not played together. The coach admitted competition for the final places has been tough with several players putting their hands up for selection. 

Commenting on the format, the coach looked forward to playing in the familiar formation as that of the Challenger Series. “We are quite familiar with it. It also gives more African women’s teams a chance to test themselves against some of the seasoned teams and players,” he added.

The Safari Sevens gave the team a belief in the systems and selves. It also gave the technical bench a chance to identify areas of improvement and also gave some of the players a chance to experience the much needed competitive environment against different teams. 

Wider squad

The team shall be named from: Naomi Amuguni (Mwamba), Charity Nillah, Nelly Chikombe, Moreen Muritu (Kenya Harlequin FC) , Christabel Lindo (Impala), Gloria Matasio, Sheila Chajira (Kenya Harlequin FC), Phoebe Akinyi (Northern Surbubs), Faith Livoi (Mwamba), Edith Naliaka (Mwamba), Maxine Abuga, Beatrice Osimbo (trialist), Sinaida Nyachio (Mwamba), Faith Achieng, Ann Namunyak, Ann Njeri, Janet Okello, Grace Okulu (Nakuru), Marvel Oswago, Freshia Awino (Northern Surbubs), Refa Ochando, Tracy Msungu, Eunice Obadiah (trialist), Kerina Omala. Unavailable: Judith Auma, Yvette Okech (injured), Stella Wafula, Diana Awino (USA).