Kenya Lionesses head coach Denis Mwanja has highlighted the fate of Kenya Women’s rugby ahead of Madagascar test match on Friday at the RFUEA Grounds Nairobi.
Mwanja who unveiled the squad for the test match has highlighted what the game means to the ladies and how it will help in empowering more women in the sport.
Mwanja has revealed that the test match will not only serve as a warm-up for Madagascar as they head to Dubai for the World Cup qualifiers, but also as key preparation for the Lionesses ahead of the Safari 7s tournament.
“This match is not just a warm-up for Madagascar on their way to Dubai, but it’s also a critical step in our strategy to prepare for the Safari 7s,” said Mwanja.
Kenya Lionesses stella Wafula tackled. PHOTO/ Rugby Afrique/Facebook
The squad has recalled several Kenya 7s players who will use the stage to get back to the spirit of competition and this is after the conclusion of the National 7s circuit.
“Our squad will have a higher stake at winning as we have recalled some of our sevens players to come and boost the performance and this we hope will bring a new energy to the team,” highlighted Mwanja.
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Reflecting on past performances, Mwanja emphasized the lessons learned from their loss in the Rugby Africa Cup, vowing to avoid repeating past mistakes.
“In the Rugby Africa Cup, we lost due to our own errors. We’ve learned the hard way and will make sure not to make the same mistakes again,” he said.
Captain Sheila Chajira expressed confidence in the team and indicated a shift in playing style compared to their previous encounter.
“We lost by playing an open game last time, but we’re reverting to our strong, physical Kenyan style, and we’ll be more aggressive,” Chajira said.
Kenya Lionesses teammates during her final match. PHOTO/Mercy Chebet.
She added that the team is determined to defend their home turf, following a narrow 20-15 loss to Madagascar in their Rugby Africa Cup clash.
Looking ahead the coach has expressed optimism in the development of women’s rugby and has acknowledged the need to develop more women talents.
“The test match is not only a build up for us but also gives an emphasis on the importance of the Kenya lioness.,” he expressed.
“In recent years Women’s rugby had been underrated but with the introduction of the new world rugby tiers, we need more women on board and as a Union we have set measures to ensure that all the major clubs in Kenya introduce women rugby before the start of the Kenya Cup season, ” he concluded.
The Kenya lioness will take on Madagascar at the RFUEA grounds Nairobi in a build-up test match for the guest before they travelled to Dubai for the World Cup qualifiers match.
Kenya Lionesses Squad for Madagascar test match:
Starting XV
- Natasha Emali (Ass. Captain)
- Naomi Muhanji
- Rose Atieno
- Naomi Jelagat
- Maureen Chebet
- Diana Kemunto
- Enid Ouma
- Sheila Chajira (Captain)
- Edith Naliaka
- Grace Okulu
- Terry Ayesa
- Stella Wafula
- Maureen Muritu
- Freshia Awino
- Sinaida Mokaya
Substitutes:
-
- Mitchell Akinyi
- Sheila Wesa
- Diana Mideva
- Noleen Khaleyi
- Hellen Achieng
- Judith Auma
- Faith Livoi
- Ann Njeri
