Kenya Lionesses will face Tunisia on Saturday in a scrimmage as part of their preparations for the Safari Sevens and Africa Cup in November.
Head coach Dennis Mwanja said they are also using the match as a build-up for the second tier of the World Sevens Series set to start in March next year.
“ We have opted to start our preparations early because time is not on our side. However, with the resolve of the girls and skillset, I believe we can go places and be a core side next for next season,” observed Mwanja.
He said, "Tunisia are skilful and well-organised side. We have to be wary of the threat they pose, especially in open play," he said. Mwanja said the friendly match will allow some of the fringe players to show their worth with the majority of the first team players out through injury or other commitments.
“As we speak, the captain, Grace Okulu, is in France playing in a Sevens event. Judith Auma, Freshia Owino and Sheila Chajira are recovering from injuries, while Phoebe Akinyi is recovering from a concussion. So we have five players out, but we hope they recover in time for the Africa Cup,” said Mwanja.
The former Kenya Sevens international said the ongoing National Sevens Series has unearthed new talent. “I have seen some promising players from the clubs participating, and I will invite them to the larger camp before we go to play at the Safari Sevens in October," added Mwanja.
Mwanja expected competition to be stiff for the Lionesses and Cubs teams for the Safari Sevens. “It will be very tough, and the players will have to earn their stripes in the team. At the same time, we want to create enough depth for subsequent tournaments,” said Mwanja.
The tactician said one of the short-term goals will be to win the Safari Sevens after falling short in the final to Blanca Barabarian of Spain, 24-10, in the final held in Machakos. “We lost in the final, but there are valuable lessons we learned, and we hope to be better," added Mwanja.
