Natasha Emali will captain the Lionesses squad for the Rugby Africa Cup tournament starting this weekend in Madagascar.
Emali is one of the experienced members of the squad that has 13 new faces as Paul Murunga's charges seek to go one place better than last year when they finished second.
The changes have been necessitated by the Lioness' participation in the final round of the World Rugby Challenger Seven Series slated for May 18-19 in Krakow, Poland.
The experienced Linet Moraa returns to the Lionesses alongside Hesla Khisa and Diana Awino while Jane Chanya, Sheila Wesa, Mitchelle Atieno, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Refa Ochando, Hellen Achieng, Elizabeth Wekesa, Nolin Khalegi, Carol Nyamwamu and Hellen Anyango are all handed maiden call ups.
This year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup will be played on a round-robin basis and will feature defending champions South Africa, Kenya, hosts Madagascar and Cameroon.
While unveiling the team yesterday, coach Paul Murunga said he believes his charges are up to the task despite the new faces on board.
"We have trained for a month and the girls are in good shape. We are looking forward to a competitive championship and I am sure the new faces will add quality to our play,” he added.
Murunga said the Africa Cup tournament will be key preparation for the WXV 3 tournament slated for UAE in September.
“It will be a good tournament and will help us gauge where we are in terms of our strategy and tactical acumen. This being our first tournament of the year, it will be a good building block for the big tournament in Dubai,” he said.
Lionesses' first opponent on Saturday will be hosts Madagascar. Murunga, who is also Quins coach said he is expecting a tough clash.
"Last year, they pushed us close and the winning margin was nine points. Considering they are at home, I expect them to be marginal favourites. However, I believe the girls will go flat out and be competitive,” he observed. The 28-man squad departs on Thursday
SQUAD: Natasha Emali (captain), Rose Otieno (assistant captain), Knight Otwoma, Jane Chanya, Maureen Chebet, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Ochieng, Terry Agesa and Esther Juma.
Others are Lewin Amazimbi, Diana Awino, Diana Omoso, Mitchelle Atieno, Sheila Wesa, Hesla Khisa, Mitchelle Akingi, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Refa Ochando, Hellen Achieng, Elizabeth Wekesa, Nolin Khalegi, Linet Moraa, Carol Nyamwamu a`nd Hellen Anyango
