Kenya Lionesses co-captain Grace Okulu in action during a past Challenger Sevens event/FILEKenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has made four changes ahead of this weekend’s Africa Cup Sevens at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
France-based Grace Okulu, who missed last month’s Safari Sevens, returns to the side, while Nelly Chikombe earns a promotion from the second-string Cub team. Towering forward Phoebe Akinyi also returns after recovering from a concussion, with Ann Namunyak drafted in to strengthen the bench.
Announcing the squad on Wednesday, Odongo said selecting the final 12 players from a 22-member training group had been one of the toughest decisions of his coaching tenure.
“This was arguably one of the hardest squads to choose from in terms of quality and talent. A good number of the players featured in the Safari Sevens and impressed both in matches and training,” he said.
“In the end, it came down to experience, tactical awareness and that bit of X-factor. We picked players who execute their core roles well and can adapt to what we expect to face over the weekend.”
They have worked hard to improve their defence, discipline and tactical sharpness, areas he believes will be crucial in what promises to be one of the most competitive continental championships in recent years.
“We’ve had an intense training period, focusing on the areas that let us down during the Safari Sevens. Our one-on-one tackling has to be better, our discipline needs to improve, and we must adapt to the referee’s interpretations while playing in the right areas,” he noted.
The coach urged fans to come out in large numbers to rally behind the team.
“As the home side, we need the support of our fans. I’m calling on everyone to turn up and cheer us on – their energy makes a huge difference,” Odongo said.
The Lionesses have won the continental title once, defeating Uganda 29–7 in the 2018 final in Gaborone, Botswana. They have finished runners-up on seven occasions behind South Africa.
“It’s been a process of rebuilding — introducing new players, refining our tactical approach, and gaining experience,” he said. “I believe we now have what it takes to go all the way this time.”
The Africa Cup Sevens serves as vital preparation for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series (Division Two), which kicks off in February next year.
Squad: Naomi Amuguni, Nelly Chikombe, Moreen Muritu, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira (co-captain), Phoebe Akinyi, Edith Nariaka, Sinaida Nyachio, Grace Okulu (co-captain), Janet Okello (vice-captain), Freshia Awino, Ann Namunyak.
