Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja has called up five players to the national team ahead of the build-up matches against South Africa and San Clemente Rhinos in Cape Town later this week.
Faith Livoi, Daisy Osore, Esther Juma, Diana Omoso, and Naomi Muhanji join the squad as preparations for the WXV 3 tournament slated for Dubai in October intensify.
Kenya face Spain, Kazakhstan and Colombia in the WXV tournament slated for October 13-27 in Dubai.
Mwanja said the five players have been impressive in training and were looking to join the final team which will travel for the tournament next month.
“The five have put up their hand in training and have worked extremely hard and will be a valuable addition to the team," said Mwanja.
He added: “We are at a very exciting time in Kenya Lionesses history. This invitation to play the friendlies is a result of the journey we have been through in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup."
Lionesses earned qualification to the newly introduced World Rugby WXV3 after topping Pool B in Uganda and finishing overall runners-up in Madagascar. "The two matches in Cape Town will serve as a build-up to the tournament in Dubai.”
He observed: “We will have the team minus the Sevens players who are preparing for the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens that take place on the same weekend as the WXV3 opener."
He noted: "This is, therefore, an opportunity for us to focus on our depth and build our capacity and experience as the Lionesses. This tour of South Africa is indeed a shot in the arm,” added Mwanja.
The tactician said they would take a match at a time. "This is unchartered territory for the Lionesses but we are happy to roll with the punches and take in the experience. We are quietly confident and happy about the upcoming period of activity," he noted.
Skipper Enid Ouma is expecting a competitive match against the South African national side after a 48-0 thrashing during the Africa Cup.
“We hope our meeting with them will be closer than last time. We have ironed out a few areas, where we had weaknesses during the Africa Cup and expect to fight them all the way. The squad leaves for South Africa on Wednesday.
Squad: Rose Otieno, Knight Otwoma, Natasha Emali, Faith Livoi, Hesla Khisa, Diana Kemunto, Enid Ouma, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Goretti, Jiveti Daisy Osore, Priscah Nyerere, Naomi Amuguni, Esther Juma Diana Omoso Naomi Muhanji, Evelyne Kalemera, Mercy Migongo, Phoebe Ouma, Judith Okumu, Grace Okulu, Sinaida Mokaya, Stella Wafula, Sharon Auma and Michelle Akinyi.
