Following their second-place finish at the Safari Sevens, Kenya Lionesses have targeted the next month's Dubai Invitational tournament.
Speaking on Monday, Head coach Dennis Mwanja said the side was looking forward to a competitive Dubai tournament which will act as a build-up for the Challenger Series that starts in the same city in January.
“It was a good performance from the girls despite the defeat. I believe some calls did not go our way but they will emerge better for Dubai,” said Mwanja.
The Lionesses lost to Uganda 15-12 in an entertaining clash in front of a packed crowd at the RFUEA ground.
Mwanja expects a tough event in the Arabian Gulf with top-quality teams expected to attend.
"The level of competition in Dubai will be higher than the Safari Sevens and the girls are looking forward to rubbing shoulders with the top teams,” he added.
Mwanja was without five key players for the Safari Sevens including playmaker Grace Okulu, Stella Wafula, Judith Okumu, Sharon Auma, Christabel Lindo, and Janet Okello.
The five were in South Africa playing at the Extreme 10's tournament last weekend.
The KCB assistant coach was, however, happy to blood in new young players who played for the Cubs in the Safari Sevens.
"The talent pool and depth in the sport is amazing. We are now seeing new talent emerging and going forward, it will help our prospects in the Sevens and 15's game for 2024 and the years beyond,” noted Mwanja.
Some of the key players Mwanja has earmarked are Magdalene Wangui, Valentine Wafula, Freshia Owino, and Diana Omosso.
“The five are young and just starting out their careers. We want to nurture them for the long term and build depth in the team,” added Mwanja.
The former Kenya Sevens player said competition for places going forward will be intense, especially with a packed 2024
“It's exciting we have a busy 2024 which includes the Challenger Series, Olympic qualifier, and WXV 3. We are working on a plan on how we will tackle these events and win all of them.”
