The Kenya Lionesses squad has a good sprinkle of seven-a-side players among the 28 named by coach Simon Odongo for the Rugby Africa Performance Division tournament which kicks off on May 23, 2026 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground.

Their opening match is a derby against Uganda on the opening day before they play against Madagascar before facing South Africa, the defending champions. Among the players named in the squad from the shorter version of the game are Janet Okelo, Sheila Chajira, Freshia Oduor, Faith Livoi, Maureen Muritu, Stella Wafula, and Sinaida Mokaya.

Last year, Kenya lost 12-19 to South Africa and finished second. The champions have already arrived in Nairobi. They have nine debutants in the squad coached by Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September.

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2026

Performance Division: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar.

Fixtures

May 23: South Africa v Madagascar, Kenya v Uganda.

May 27: South Africa v Uganda, Kenya v Madagascar.

May 31: Uganda v Madagascar, South Africa v Kenya. 

Squads

Kenya: Jane Chanya, Jascenta Musakali, Natasha Emaili (captain), Sheila Wesa, Valentine Otieno, Naomy Muhanji, Knight Otwoma, Phoebe Otieno, Charity Oteng’o, Naomi Jelagat, Edith Sitati, Nelly Chikombe, Naomi Amuguni, Sheila Chajira, Maria Gorette, Atieno Awuor, Marvel Oswago, Judith Auma (captain), Edith Nariaka, Maureen Muritu, Faith Livoi, Janet Okello, Angel Salamba, Yvette Okech, Stella Wafula, Freshia Oduor, Tracey Montex, Sinaida Mokaya.

Uganda Lady Cranes: Evelyn Beth Asaba Awebwa, Janepher Nakale, Phoebe Nakalembe, Christine Kokoi, Doreen Mbabazi, Doreen Sijali, Yvonne Najjuma, Phiona Nantongo, Fazira Namukwaya, Leona Acen, Proscovia Mukyala, Hellen Acanit, Peace Nemira, Susan Adong, Carbine Kirabo, Angella Nanyonjo, Gorrer Babirye, Josephine Babirye Shaine, Juliet Nandawula, Bushira Namutebi, Justin Anguchia, Christine Akello, Peace Lekuru, Grace Nabaggala, Unity Namulala, Gertrude Kateesa, Rachel Mufuwa.

Officials: Muhammad Athiyo (head coach), Kigongo Ssebalamu, Byron Okuba (assistant coaches), Dorcus Mundua Asiimire (team manager).

South Africa: Roseline Botes, Anushka Groenewald, Yonela Ngxingolo, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Thandile Mazwi, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Anuschka Ekron, Abigail Smit, Nomsa Mokwai, Anathi Qolo (captain), Zethu Gcaza, Nobuhle Mjwara, Faith Tshauke, Sinelitha Noxeke, Ntsako Mbombi, Logan Welman, Insaaf Levy, Anacadia Minnaar, Mary Zulu, Thami Yeko, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Jakkie Cilliers, Naima Hlatshwayo, Nomawethu Mabenge, Alichia Arries, Shanique Alexander, Chumisa Qawe.

Officials: Laurian Johannes-Haupt, Franzel September (assistant coach), Dhavina Naidoo-Jewkes (team doctor), Neda Isaacs (physiotherapist), Naasier Parker (strength and conditioning), Thandisswa Nxomani (team manager).