Adhiambo confident that Lionesses will sparkle in Challenger Series in Dubai

Kenya Lionesses captain Grace Adhiambo has backed the team to succeed in the World Rugby HSBC Challenger 2024 series slated for January 12–14 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Challenger Series is the pathway teams use to qualify for the World Seven Series and will be played in Dubai, Munich, and Madrid in the first part of next year.

This will be the Lionesses' first Challenger Series.

How Lionesses squad for Challenger Series was selected

The hard-hitting ladies will be looking to add another feather to their decorated cabinet following their final finish in the Africa Women's 7s-cum-Paris 2024 where they qualified for the final stage but went down 12-7 to South Africa.

Speaking ahead of their matches, Adhiambo noted that the ladies were enjoying every moment in Dubai. She further noted that they were well-prepared for the upcoming challenge.

"The preparations went well. We went to St Andrew's Turi for our camp. We have been working on our breakdowns, defense, attacks, and even our lineouts and scrums. The ladies are geared up for the first challenger series," Adhiambo started.

Being their maiden Challenger Series appearance, the skipper noted that their main aim was to top the leg, and she expressed confidence in their abilities.

"Our main goal and focus in this series is to top the leg, and I know the girls are capable. All of you back home, just root for us and support us," she concluded.

The squad has been bolstered by the return of Sheila Chajira, who was part of the Lionesses squad that reached the final of the Safari 7s.

This will also be her first appearance for the sevens national team since the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021.

They will also enjoy the services of lanky speedster Sharon Auma who is making a return from a leg injury. Talented scrum-half Judith Auma, Maureen Muritu, and Janet Okello have been included in the squad.

They are placed in Pool B of the women’s competition and will kick off their campaign with a match against China at 11:36 EAT on Friday, January 12, 2024.

Subsequently, they will go head-to-head with Czechia at 15:58 EAT on the same day. They will wrap up their pool fixtures against Mexico at 10:59 EAT on Saturday, January 13.

They have been placed in Pool B which sees them lock horns with China, Czechia, and Mexico.

Lionesses squad to Dubai

Grace Okulu (Captain), Stella Wafula, Maureen Muritu, Phoebe Akinyi, Naomi Amuguni, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Judy Okumu, Sinaida Nyachio, Sharon Auma, Diana Awino, Janet Okello, Diana Kemunto

MANAGEMENT: Dennis Mwanja (Head Coach), Paul Murunga (Assistant Coach), Jeff Onyango (Assistant Coach), Levis Kituyi (Physio), Camyline Oyuayo (Team Manager)

12 January 2024

Kenya v China | 1136hrs EAT

Kenya v Czechia | 1558hrs EAT

13 January 2024

Kenya v Mexico | 1059hrs EAT

Women’s pools:

Pool A: Belgium, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Uganda

Pool B: China, Czechia, Mexico, Kenya