Why Kenya Lionesses will camp in Spain ahead of historic HSBC SVNS 2 opener in Nairobi

The Kenya Lionesses will fly to Spain for a high-performance training camp, as they step up preparations for the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS Division 2, which Nairobi will host for the first time on Saturday, 14 to Sunday, 15 February.

A selected squad of 14 players is scheduled to depart for Alicante on Monday, 26 January, for a one-week camp before returning home on Saturday, 31 January.

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The European camp forms a critical part of Kenya’s build-up to the Division 2 circuit, which will kick off at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The squad selection follows an intensive training block, with the technical bench rewarding players who showed consistency, resilience and strong on-field performances.

The choices also reflect a commitment to recognizing standout performers from recent competitions, including the Safari Sevens and the Africa Sevens tournaments earlier in 2025.

Sheila Chajira will captain the Lionesses, with Freshia Oduor being the vice-captain.

The team has been boosted by the return of Stella Wafula, who rejoins the squad after completing a high-performance training program in the United States.

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Grace Okulu will also link up with the team in Spain, travelling from France to join the camp.

While in Alicante, the Lionesses will play a series of competitive training matches against Spain and Belgium, offering valuable exposure to high-quality opposition in a demanding European environment.

Head coach Simon Odongo said the decision to base the camp in Europe is in the best interest of getting the team ready for the assignment ahead.

“The decision to base the camp in Europe forms part of the team’s wider performance strategy, aimed at testing combinations, improving match fitness and sharpening tactical execution ahead of the Nairobi leg of HSBC SVNS 2,” Odongo offered.

After Nairobi, the six-team Division 2 series will move to Montevideo, Uruguay, on March 21–22, before concluding in São Paulo, Brazil, on March 28–29.

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Each tournament will feature six teams per gender, with the top four advancing to the SVNS World Championship.

From the combined 12 teams at the championship stage, the top eight will secure promotion to Division 1 status for the 2027 SVNS season, offering a clear pathway back to the elite tier.

Both the men’s team and the Kenya Lionesses will compete in SVNS Division 2 in 2026, with confirmed men’s teams including Kenya, USA, Uruguay, and Germany.