Kenya Lionesses coach sets two targets as preps for Rugby Africa Cup begins
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 17.05.25. | 17:24
This year, they will face the same teams: Madagascar and South Africa, alongside regional rivals Uganda, in a round-robin format
Kenya Lionesses assistant coach Simon Odongo has outlined two major targets for the national women’s 15s rugby team as preparations begin for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, which will be held from Thursday, 1 to Monday, 16 June, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Speaking after the team’s open trials held on Monday, 12 May, at the RFUEA Grounds, Odongo revealed that the Lionesses are focused on clinching the continental title and laying the groundwork for a long-term goal of qualifying for the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“Our goal is first of all to ensure we win the Africa Cup next month, and also to qualify for the 2029 Women’s World Cup in our long-term plan,” Odongo stated.
The Lionesses are keen to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in last year’s tournament. They managed just one win against Cameroon and suffered defeats to hosts Madagascar and defending champions South Africa.
This year, they will face the same teams: Madagascar and South Africa, alongside regional rivals Uganda, in a round-robin format.
The team will kick off their campaign against hosts Madagascar on Saturday, 7 June at 3:00 PM (EAT). They will then take on South Africa on Wednesday, 11 June, and wrap up the competition against Uganda on Sunday, 15 June.
All matches will be held at Stade Makis Stadium, with the last two fixtures starting at 1:00 PM EAT.
More than 50 players turned up for the trials, which marked the start of the team’s build-up to the tournament.
Odongo confirmed that the technical bench has called up a provisional squad of 62 players drawn from across the country, including several from Kinale RFC, the reigning national champions.
“We’ve called up a squad of 62 players, split across the country, including a few from Kinale, our current reigning champions,” he said.
With less than a month to go, the coaching team is now racing against time to finalise the squad.
“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 travelling to Madagascar,” Odongo explained.
This year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup carries high stakes, with the winner earning a direct qualification spot to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The revamped competition structure also signals a new era for women’s rugby on the continent, with increased focus on high-performance pathways and global representation.
Selected squad:
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
.jpg)
