The second edition of the inaugural women's Kenya Cup kicks off on December 3.
The Kenya Rugby Union director of women's rugby Peris Mukoko- Wanyaga said seven teams have confirmed participation in the league which will run concurrently with the men's version which will start on November 26.
Champions Mwamba, last season's runners-up Impala, Nakuru, Northern Suburbs, Western Combined, Maseno University, and Blak Blad are expected to grace the three-month tournament.
She predicted a competitive league based on the growing nature of the women's game coupled with the success of the Kenya Lionesses who defeated Uganda to win the Africa Cup Pool 'B' on Wednesday in Kampala.
"We saw a competitive league last year and the growth of the women's game is tremendous.
"We are having more girls taking up the sport in the country and this bodes well not only for our clubs but also our national team as it creates a bigger player base to choose from.”
She added that the tournament will be used as a yardstick for the national team. “ I believe we can get quality players from our league, who can join the national team ahead of the assignments for next year,” said Wanyaga.
On the Lionesses Sevens team which finished fourth overall at the Challenger Series in Chile in August, she said they are awaiting confirmation from World Rugby on the pathway to qualification for the World Series.
"I hope within the next fortnight, World Rugby will tell us where the venue for the series qualifier next year. The girls came very close and I am confident we can go all the way and become a core team like our male counterparts next year."
Elsewhere, Impala Floodlit champions KCB will face Blak Blad in the semifinal on Saturday after edging Quins 14-10 in the quarterfinal on Wednesday. The second semifinal will pit Menengai Oilers against Nondies, who Impala 33-7 in the final quarterfinal. The final is slated for November 12.
