The Kenya Lionesses have officially commenced their preparations for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup (RAWC), scheduled to take place from June 5th to 16th in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The Ladies held their trials on Monday, May 12th, at the RFUEA Grounds, where over 50 players assembled in hopes of securing a spot in the provisional squad with the session marking the beginning of the team’s build-up toward the continental tournament, where they will compete against Madagascar, South Africa, and Uganda in a round-robin format.
LIONESSES SCHEDULE
Kenya will kick off their campaign against hosts Madagascar on June 7th at 3:00 PM EAT. They will then face defending champions South Africa on June 11th, before concluding the tournament against Uganda on June 15th. The final two matches are set to start at 1:00 PM EAT, with all fixtures taking place at Stade Makis Stadium in Antananarivo.
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Lionesses assistant coach Simon commented on the current squad dynamics:
“We’ve called up a squad of 62 players, split across the country, including a few from Kinale, our current reigning champions. Our goal is first of all to ensure we win the African Cup next month, and also to qualify for the 2029 Women’s World Cup in our long-term plan.”
With approximately three weeks until the Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar, Simon emphasized the urgency of squad selection:
“Right now, we have 62 players in camp, and we have to trim that squad by next week to around 49. Then in the third week, we will narrow it down to 28 who will be traveling to Madagascar.”
Players called up for Kenya Lionesses Trials:
Impala Roans: Naomi Muhanji, Noleen Khaleyi, Knight Otwoma, Mitchelle Akinyi, Melissa Amondi, Hesla Khisa, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Gladys Makhungu, Nelly Chikombe, Sheilla Chajira, Judith Auma, Winnie Owino, Christabel Lindo, Diana Awino, Ann Njeri, Esther Juma.
Mwamba RFC: Sinaida Nyachio, Faith Livoi, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Edith Nariaka, Naomi Amuguni, Maureen Chebet, Linet Arasa, Naomi Jelagat, Jane Chanya, Natasha Emali, Claudia Muhavi, Yvonne Khatundu.
Kenya Harlequins: Mary Khavere, Zainab Mohammed, Hellen Wanjiru, Doris Kimani, Zuhura Asman, Getrude Ambeyi, Friza Anyango, Angel Salamba, Moreen Muritu, Lovinah Mijere, Maxine Abuga.
Northern Suburbs: Carol Nyamwamu, Lewin Amazimbi, Yvette Okech, Sophie Nasimiyu, Agnes Mbone, Diana Mideva, Phoebe Akinyi, Mitchelle Chillande, Juliana Achieng, Mitchelle Atieno.
NYS Spades: Charity Nillah, Jacinta Musakali, Sheila Wesa.
Shamberere: Lawnisky Minayo, Phaustine Imbakwa
Nakuru RFC: Grace Adhiambo, Kerina Omala, Jemima Wambui, Freshia Awino.
Rongo RFC: Lucie Amudui
Unattached: Janet Okelo
