History-seeking Mwanja confident of Lionesses' World Cup qualification

Dennis Mwanja, head coach of the national women 15s rugby side Kenya Lionesses, is confident that the team has realistic chances of having a Kenyan national team featuring at the prestigious Rugby World Cup tournaments compared to the men’s side.

The head coach made the sentiments as the team prepares to take part in the 2022 edition of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup taking place in Uganda which serves as the first stage of the Rugby World Cup 2025 (to be hosted by England) qualifiers.

In the three team tournament taking place from 25 October to 2 November, Lionesses are set to face Zambia and Uganda with firm focus on finishing top in the pool B matches as only the winner advances to the next stage.

During the squad naming, Mwanja backed the team to give a good account of themselves in their matches as he displayed confidence in the ability they have showcased in training.

“The squad was difficult to choose because we kept on inserting and inserting names which was a good headache to have because I always give everyone an opportunity.

The ones who did not make it were equally good as well but I was looking at consistency of play, basics like handling and the attitude as well because we operate as a team.

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“We are also looking at the bigger picture and a journey that is bigger than me and all of us which is taking Kenya Lionesses to a level we have never reached before and this is where we begin in Uganda. So, the girls have their work cut out.

The technical bench have already sold the vision to them and we are looking at a realistic opportunity to break through the opposition compared to the other side (Kenya Simbas) so expect a good account of ourselves during the weekend,” the head coach said.

Lionesses, who kick off their pool B campaign against Zambia on Saturday before facing Uganda, will be hoing to bounce back to winning ways when their play their first match of the year.

Similar to the Lady Rugby Cranes and Women Eagles, the Lionesses’ last competitive test was in 2021 which was an agonizing 16-15 defeat at Nyayo Stadium at the hands of to Colombia as they lost the battle for a ticket to the Rugby World Cup 2021 Repechage Tournament.

Kenya Lionesses XV Squad for Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2022 – Pool B:

Peruz Muyuka (captain), Stephanie Waithera, Rose Otieno, Evelyne Kalemera, Natasha Emali, Staycy Atieno, Knight Otwoma, Bernadette Olesia, Hesla Khisa, Phoebe Akinyi, Naomi Amuguni, Diana Kemunto, Prisca Nyerere, Leah Wambui, Grace Adhiambo, Ann Goretti, Jean Bisela, Maureen Muritu, Stellah Wafulah, Judith Akumu, Winnie Owino, Naomi Jelagat, Christabel Lindo, Laurine Akoth, Terry Ayesa.