Sheila Chajira in as Kenya Lionesses name squad for Madagascar test

The Kenya Lionesses have unveiled their matchday squad for their second Rugby Africa Women’s Cup encounter against Madagascar, slated for Wednesday, 27 May at the RFUEA Grounds.

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Coach Simon Odongo has made several changes to the side that opened their campaign with a dominant 43-10 victory over Uganda Lady Cranes over the weekend.

The team’s coaching staff have opted for a mix of continuity and fresh combinations as they seek another positive result in the tournament.

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Among the key adjustments is a change in the front row, where Naomi Muhanji comes into the starting side in place of Knight Otuoma, who shifts to the bench.

Natasha Emali retains her role at hooker and will once again lead the side as captain, while Jane Chanya continues at loosehead prop.

The second-row pairing of Naomi Jelagat and Phoebe Otieno remains unchanged as the technical bench maintains faith in the duo that featured against Uganda.

The back row, however, has undergone one of the most notable alterations. Nelly Chikombe keeps her position at blindside flanker while Marvel Oswago remains at openside flanker.

Sheila Chajira has been drafted into the starting lineup at number eight, taking over from Naomi Amuguni.

Another adjustment comes at scrum-half, where Judith Auma is handed the responsibility of directing play, replacing Sinaida Mokaya. Auma will partner with Maureen Muritu at fly-half as Kenya seeks to maintain control and tempo in the game.

The midfield setup remains untouched, with Faith Livoi and Janet Okello retaining the inside and outside centre roles respectively.

Changes have also been made in the back three. Freshia Oduor comes into the starting side on the wing in place of debutant Tracy Montex, while Stella Wafula retains her place on the opposite flank. Sinaida Mokaya shifts from scrum-half to fullback, taking over from Oduor.

The bench provides depth across the squad with Knight Otuoma among the forward reinforcements alongside Jascenta Musakali, Sheila Wesa, Edith Sitati, and Charity Nillah. The backline options include Edith Nariaka, Atieno Awuor, and Yvette Okech.

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Elsewhere, defending champions South Africa have also reshuffled their squad ahead of their clash against Uganda Lady Cranes, with three players set to earn their first Test caps.

Shaunique Alexander and Zethu Gcaza will make their maiden starts for the Springbok Women, while Abigail Smit is in line for her international debut from the bench.

The South Africans have retained seven starters from the side that defeated Madagascar in the opening round, though captain Anathi Qolo has switched from lock to flanker, replacing Sinelitha Noxeke.

Alexander earns her opportunity on the wing after previously representing the Junior Springbok Women at the Under-20 level. At the same time, Smit joins a forward-heavy “Bomb Squad” bench that features six forwards intended to provide impact later in the match.

Additional rotational changes see Thamie Yeko handed a starting role at fullback, while Insaaf Levy starts at scrum-half after making her debut off the bench in the opening match.