Sheila Chajira has been appointed as the skipper of the Lionesses ahead of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, set to kick off this Saturday in Madagascar.
Assisting her in leading the team will be Enid Ouma and Judith Okumu throughout the week-long championship.
Chajira, who last represented the Lionesses in August 2021, is one of the eleven new additions chosen by head coach Dennis Mwanja from the squad that emerged victorious in the 2022 Rugby Africa Women’s Pool B tournament held in Kampala, Uganda.
Joining Chajira are fellow inclusions Enid Ouma, Migongo, Diana Awino, Valentine Atieno, Nelly Chikombe, Lewin Mwevezi, Mercy Migongo, Sinaida Mokaya, Hellen Anyango, Mitchelle Akinyi, and Freshia Oduor.
Expressing his thoughts on the team selection, Dennis Mwanja, a former Kenya Sevens and 15s International player said, “We are quietly confident as we envision a bright future for the Lionesses.
Our aim is to elevate our sport to the highest level of rugby, as we have come close to achieving it for a long time.”
“We have carefully chosen a team that combines youth and experience, with discipline, commitment, and the right attitude being the pillars of our selection process,” Mwanja added.
Mwanja concluded by saying, “This team will carry the pride of Kenya, and we have selected the best players based on their consistent performances. We are excited to compete in Madagascar and eagerly anticipate the upcoming fixtures.”
The Lionesses will commence their campaign with a match against the hosts, Madagascar, on May 20, followed by a clash against South Africa on May 24. They will conclude their campaign with a game against Cameroon on May 28.
The winner of this tournament will secure qualification for the second tier of the newly launched World Rugby WXV, while the runner-up will qualify for the third tier.
This competition aims to revolutionize the women’s international rugby landscape, providing a meaningful pathway for all unions and serving as a stepping stone toward the expanded 16-team Rugby World Cup in 2025.
Squad:
Sheila Chajira (Captain)
Enid Ouma, Judith Okumu (Vice Captains)
Rose Otieno, Evelyne Kalemera, Natasha Emali, Knight Otwoma, Bernadette Olesia, Hesla Khisa, Phoebe Akinyi, Diana Kemunto, Grace Adhiambo, Ann Goretti, Jean Bisela, Maureen Muritu, Stellah Wafula, Winnie Owino, Naomi Jelagat, Terry Ayesa, Diana Awino, Valentine Atieno, Nelly Chikombe, Lewin Mwevezi, Mercy Migongo, Sinaida Mokaya, Hellen Anyango, Mitchelle Akinyi, Freshia Oduor.
Officials:
Dennis Mwanja (Head Coach)
Paul Murunga (Assistant Coach)
Geoffrey Onyango (Conditioning Coach)
Camilyne Oyuayo (Team Manager)
Levis Kituyi (Physio)
