Over 30 new faces have been called up to the Kenya Lionesses 15s provisional squad ahead of the Rugby Africa Cup.
The squad was named after trials held on Monday at the RFUEA grounds.
The squad is preparing for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup championship scheduled for June 5-16 in Madagascar.
Assistant coach Simon Odongo said 70 players entered camp to begin preparations for the June contest.
“We had a very good turnout on Monday, where over 70 players turned up. This shows the good health of the women’s game in the country. We are headed in the right direction,” said Odongo.
Some of the new faces are Rongo RFC’s Lucie Amudui, Charity Nillah, Jacinta Musakali, Sheila Wesa of NYS, Carol Nyamwamu of Lewin Amazimbi, Yvette Okech, Sophie Nasimiyu and Agnes Mbone of Northern Suburbs.
Odongo said the squad will be whittled down gradually over the next three weeks.
“By the end of this week, we will have 62 players, 49 by the end of next week, and 28 players in the final squad,” added Odongo.
The Lionesses came up short in last year’s Africa Cup held in Madagascar on May 4-12, finishing third overall.
They lost 29-22 to Madagascar, beat Cameroon 39-17 and lost 63-5 to champions South Africa.
The third-place finish saw the Lionesses miss out on the WXV tournament held in Dubai in September last year.
Losing finalists Madagascar qualified for the Dubai WXV while South Africa booked their spot at this year’s Rugby World Cup in England between August 22 and 27.
The Africa Cup 2025 edition will be a three-day (June 7, 11 and 15) round-robin contest at the Stade Makis Stadium in Antananarivo.
The Lionesses will kick off their campaign against Madagascar on June 7, face South Africa on June 11and wrap up their campaign against Uganda Lady Cranes.
Squad: Naomi Muhanji, Noleen Khaleyi, Knight Otwoma, Mitchelle Akinyi, Melissa Amondi, Hesla Khisa, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Gladys Makhungu, Nelly Chikombe, Sheilla Chajira, Judith Auma, Winnie Owino, Christabel Lindo, Diana Awino, Ann Njeri, Esther Juma (Impala Roans). Sinaida Nyachio, Faith Livoi, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Edith Nariaka, Naomi Amuguni, Maureen Chebet, Linet Arasa, Naomi Jelagat, Jane Chanya, Natasha Emali, Claudia Muhavi, Yvonne Khatundu (Mwamba), Mary Khavere, Zainab Mohammed, Hellen Wanjiru, Doris Kimani, Zuhura Asman, Getrude Ambeyi, Friza Anyango, Angel Salamba, Moreen Muritu, Lovinah Mijere, Maxine Abuga (Kenya Harlequins), Carol Nyamwamu, Lewin Amazimbi, Yvette Okech, Sophie Nasimiyu, Agnes Mbone, Diana Mideva, Phoebe Akinyi, Mitchelle Chillande, Juliana Achieng, Mitchelle Atieno (Northern Suburbs), Charity Nillah, Jacinta Musakali, Sheila Wesa (NYS Spades), Lawnisky Minayo, Phaustine Imbakwa (Shamberere), Grace Adhiambo, Kerina Omala, Jemima Wambui, Freshia Awin (Nakuru RFC), Lucie Amudui (Rongo) and Janet Okelo (Unattached).
![[PHOTOS] Kindiki chairs joint Cabinet Committee meet](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.radioafrica.digital%2Fimage%2F2025%2F05%2Ff096da7b-089f-4ca4-b87d-286dfc99472f.jpeg&w=3840&q=100)