T. NashipaeMwanja elated with Lionesses' performance at Africa Women's 7s
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 16.10.23. | 10:16
Lionesses fought tooth and nail to reach the final stage where they narrowly lost 12-7 to South Africa.
National women's team coach Dennis Mwanja has heaped praises on the players following the exemplary performance at the Africa Women's 7s tournament that was played in Montasir, Tunisia over the weekend.
Lionesses fought tooth and nail to reach the final stage where they narrowly lost 12-7 to South Africa.
They kicked off their pool campaign with a comfortable 27-0 win over Zambia before whitewashing Ghana 41-0. They ended their pool stage with a narrow 20-17 win over Madagascar to proceed to the semifinal.
Lionesses saw off Uganda Lady Cranes 27-0 to book a date with the South Africans in the final. Despite missing a direct ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the former Kenya 7s International noted that they gave South Africa a run for their money.
“It has been an enjoyable experience. We came into this tournament with our heads held high, playing one game at a time. We dared and believed we were going to qualify for the Olympics, and we still believe we are going to qualify. We are proud of how we played and even getting to the final,” Mwanja offered.
The former KCB player further commended his charges' efforts in search of a victory. He praised them for playing their hearts out. Lionesses showcased exemplary control of the game, zeal, and beautiful set pieces that gave them an edge over most of their opponents.
“We came here not to fill up the numbers but to contend for the trophy. The girls played quite well. When you get to such a final, it is the attention to the details that matters, including passing, decision-making, and execution. Everyone wants to win but it’s not about who wants to win and every team that came here wants to win. However, it is about the team that makes the less mistakes,” Mwanja revealed.
The tactician who foresees a glorious future for the Lionesses also noted that the young and senior players are gelling well, and it was only a matter of time before they roared back to winning ways.
Some of the youngsters included speedster 20-year-olds Diana Awino and Dorcas Nyachio, Sharon Auma who is barely a year old in the team but scored four tries, Phoebe Akinyi, and talented scrum-half Judith Auma.
They blended well with vintage players like Janet Okello and Grace Okulu.
“There’s so much pressure and when there’s so much pressure on the skill level, that’s when mistakes happen. So, a team that makes fewer mistakes carries the day. We made one or two mistakes that turned the tide against us but the game could’ve gone either way. It is a team that is a mix of youth and experience," the gaffer noted.
“We have a good future plus we have the captain Sheila Chajira who has just recovered from injury. The team will be beefed up. We covet the support of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), the programs, and the government as well. We appreciate the Ministry of Sports and everything they have done for us to get here,” he concluded.
Lionesses will go back to the drawing board and sharpen their claws for the repechage tournament penciled for next year, in an attempt to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, just like their brothers
