
Chajira in as Mwanja names Lionesses squad for continental clash against Madagascar
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 06.06.25. | 18:06
The stakes are even higher this time, with the tournament’s winner securing a direct ticket to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup
Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja has named a strong squad for their opening clash of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup against Madagascar set for Saturday, 7 June at Stade Makis in Antananarivo.
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The Lionesses will be looking to pick up from where they left off in 2024 when they overwhelmed the same opponent 63-19 at the RFUEA Grounds.
The stakes are even higher this time, with the tournament’s winner securing a direct ticket to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Mwanja has opted for a blend of youth and experience ahead of matchday 23.
Naomi Muhanji gets the nod at hooker and will be joined in the front row by Natasha Emali and Jane Chanya.
The second row will feature the industrious Phoebe Akinyi and vice captain Maureen Chebet, who will be tasked with controlling the engine room.
Sheila Chajira, one of the squad’s most experienced players, slots in at number eight, completing a formidable back row alongside Mwamba RFC’s Naomi Amazon and captain Enid Ouma, who take up flanker duties.
In the backs, the dynamic Grace Adhiambo will marshal play from fly-half, linking up with Edith Nariaka at scrum-half.
Their partnership will be vital in managing the game’s tempo and unlocking Madagascar’s defence.
Sinaida Nyachio, known for her blistering pace, will start at fullback.
She will have Stellah Wafula and Freshia Owino providing width and attacking threats from the wings.
The midfield will be anchored by the dependable duo of Moreen Muritu and Faith Livoi.
This year’s competition marks a significant shift for women’s rugby in Africa, with a renewed emphasis on high-performance structures and global representation.
The Lionesses will be keen to improve on last year’s underwhelming run which saw them register only a single win against Cameroon.














