Sheila Chajira will skipper the Lionesses for the Rugby Africa Women's Cup starting on Saturday in Madagascar.
Chajira will be assisted by Enid Ouma and Judith Okumuduring the week-long championship.
Chajira last played for the Lionesses in August 2021 and she is among the latest 11 inclusions made by head coach Dennis Mwanja from the squad that won the 2022 Rugby Africa Women’s Pool B tourney in Kampala, Uganda.
The other inclusions are—Ouma, Migongo, Diana Awino, Valentine Atieno, Nelly Chikombe, Lewin Mwevezi, Mercy Migongo, Sinaida Mokaya, Hellen Anyango, Mitchelle Akinyi and Freshia Oduor.
Commenting on the squad’s selection, Mwanja, a former Kenya Sevens, and 15's International, said: “We are quietly confident as we look at a bright future for the Lionesses. We want to take our sport to the top level of rugby because for so long, we have fallen short and almost been there.”
“We have our work cut out and have picked a team that is full of youth and experience with the cornerstone being discipline, commitment, and belief in having players with the right attitude to play," he added.
“This team will carry the mantle for Kenya and we have picked the best based on consistency. We are excited about going to Madagascar and playing. We are confident as we look forward to the upcoming fixtures,” concluded Mwanja.
The Lionesses start their campaign with a clash against hosts Madagascar on May 20 before playing South Africa on May 24. They conclude their campaign with a match against Cameroon on May 28.
The winner of this tournament will qualify for the second tier of the newly launched World Rugby WXV with the runner-up qualifying for the third tier of the same competition which is intended to revolutionise the women’s international rugby landscape.
It will for the first time provide a meaningful pathway for all unions and a competitive springboard towards an expanded 16-team Rugby World Cup in 2025.
Squad: Sheila Chajira (captain), Enid Ouma, Judith Okumu (vice captains), Rose Otieno, Evelyne Kalemera, Natasha Emali, Knight Otwoma, Bernadette Olesia, Hesla Khisa, Phoebe Akinyi, Diana Kemunto, Grace Adhiambo, Ann Goretti, Jean Bisela, Maureen Muritu, Stellah Wafula, Winnie Owino, Naomi Jelagat, Terry Ayesa, Diana Awino, Valentine Atieno, Nelly Chikombe, Lewin Mwevezi, Mercy Migongo, Sinaida Mokaya, Hellen Anyango, Mitchelle Akinyi and Freshia Oduor.
Officials: Dennis Mwanja (head coach), Paul Murunga (assistant coach), Geoffrey Onyango (conditioning coach), Camilyne Oyuayo (team manager) and Levis Kituyi (physio).
