Simon Odongo, the interim Kenya Lionesses coach has named an experienced and battle-hardened squad for the Rugby Africa Women’s seven-a-side tournament that Kicks off on November 15, 2025 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground.

Grace Okulu who missed Safari Sevens has been included in the team and is one of the leaders together with Janet Okello and Sheila Chajira. The line up is familiar to the side that defied all odds to lift the World Rugby Challenger Series and handed Kenya a ticket to the second tier competition.

Already qualified

Although Kenya has already qualified for second tier competition that kicks off in February, the technical bench is keen to bag the elusive continental trophy and bragging rights. Odongo had predicted naming the team to be tough after several players especially from the development side Cubs put up their hands for selection. 

In the end, he opted for most of the seasoned players who have a good grasp of the game plan the coach has in the two-day tournament. The fist match is against Ivory Coast, a team Kenya has not played before facing Ghana whom they have beaten twice this year.

Declared squads

Kenya: Naomi Amuguni, Nelly Chikombe, Moreen Muritu, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Pheobe Akinyi, Edith Nariaka, Sinaida Nyachio, Grace Okulu, Faith Livoi, Janet Okello, Frashia Awino, Ann Namunyak.

Officials: Simon Odongo (coach), Jeff Onyango (strength and conditioning), Camilyne Oywayo (team manager), Levyce Kituyi, John Elly (physiotherapists).

South Africa: Shiniqwa Lampretch, Leight Fortuin, Liske Letegan, Zintle Mpupha, Asisipho Plaatjies, Nadine Roos, Vianca Boer, Simamkele Namba, Maria Tshiremba, Patience Mokone, Ayanda Malinga, Byrhandre Dolf.

Uganda: Agnes Nakuya, Lydia Namabiro, Yvonne Najjuma, Fazira Namukwaya, Susan Adong, Grace Nabaggala, Juliet Nandawula, Sandra Amoli Lona, Samiya Ayikoru, Janat Nandudu, Peace Lekuru, Unity Namulala. 

Officials: Charles Onen (head coach), Ssebalamu Kigongo (assistant coach), Winnie Atyang (team manager), Nelson Mayeku (physiotherapist).

Mauritius: Sabine Desvaux, Abbie Sauzier, Lola Sobrioo, Naika Dewulf, Juliana De Falbaire, Francine Khejoo, Megane Jauffret, Ophelie De Comarmond, Ambre De Comarmond, Mila Venkiah, Selena Maigrot, Olivia Harel.

Zimbabwe: Mercy Runesu, Rumbidzaiu Chigumbu, Rutendo Morosi, Chiwoniso Mabika, Natalia Nyabinde, Kudzai Wasili, Terren Munodaani, Pauline Sianga, Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo, Nokutenda Shoriva (vice captain), Rufaro Tagarira (captain), Memory Moyo.

Officials: Cyprian Mandenge (coach), Lucy Sithole (assistant coach), Viv Manuel (team manager), Anne Butau (physiotherapist).

Draw 

Pool A: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mauritius.

Pool B: Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast.

Pool C: Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso. 

Pool D: Madagascar, Tunisia, Egypt.