Kenya Lionesses secure test match in build up for Safari 7s
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 04.09.24. | 21:02
The outspoken coach admitted that maintaining the players’ fitness levels has been a significant challenge, primarily due to the scarcity of tournaments.
The Kenya Lionesses will play a test match against Madagascar on Friday, September 20, at the RFUEA Grounds.
This one-of-a-kind match will serve as a significant opportunity for the Lionesses to avenge their 29-22 loss to the Indian Ocean islanders during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup back in May. The win saw Madagascar qualify for the WXV3 competition in Dubai.
Mozzart Sport caught up with Lionesses’ coach Dennis Mwanja as the team gears up for the highly anticipated showdown. According to Mwanja, the match will provide the Lionesses with an opportunity to test their skills ahead of the upcoming Safari 7s, slated for Friday, October 11, to Sunday, October 13.
They finished second in last year’s showpiece after a narrow 15-12 loss to Uganda’s Lady Cranes. At the same time, the tactician observed that the team’s energy and enthusiasm have been palpable during training sessions, fueled by the anticipation of returning to the iconic RFUEA Grounds after a long hiatus.
“The team is upbeat and confident ahead of the game. It has been a long time since we played here. The games were always in Kisumu and other places. It is going to be a good outing and experience,” Mwanja remarked.
Currently, 30 players are actively involved in training, and Mwanja hopes to maintain the strong roster while potentially adding a few more players to enhance fitness levels and overall preparedness.
“At the moment, we are just focusing on this match, maintaining the team, and training at least once or twice a week to ensure the girls stay fit because they do not have as many matches compared to the men,” he revealed.
The KCB Rugby coach was also excited that the test match could be key to improving their World Rugby ranking. He expressed optimism that the team would have more opportunities to engage in World Rugby-approved friendly matches to further hone their skills ahead of upcoming competitions.
“We have a few new girls, but it’s still a bit early to tell who will make the team. This assignment is a friendly test match that will help us remain relevant during the 15s season, especially considering next year is a World Cup year. We will only have friendlies confirmed by World Rugby,” he added.
The outspoken coach admitted that maintaining the players’ fitness levels has been a significant challenge, primarily due to the scarcity of tournaments. The lack of regular competitive matches makes it difficult to keep the players in peak physical condition. However, with several girls having played for their clubs in the national sevens circuit, he noted that the transition to 15s will not be difficult.
“The problem with women’s rugby is that those who were not competing in the circuit are not training. They are waiting for the 15s season. So, every time coaches have to start afresh. We need to have a culture where athletes first become rugby players, rather than converting people into athletes and then rugby players.
Women should have a culture of always working out and maintaining fitness. If they belong to a rugby club, they should go there and jog, do gym work, etc. It is unfortunate, but the game has not grown on the women’s side to be fully supported and embraced. They have to look out for themselves.
The girls have to be fit to be competitive. We cannot play rugby if we are not fit,” he concluded.
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