Kenya Lionesses coach Dennis Mwanja believes the inclusion of the Sevens
players will be key as the team seeks to win the Africa Cup tournament
next month in Madagascar.
The seven players missed last year's event held at the Indian Ocean island as they were playing in the Challenger Series in Poland.
The tactician believes the players' return will be a game-changer as Kenya seeks to topple champions South Africa.
Among the seven players in contention for a place in the 28-man squad, which will be named next week, are Grace Adhiambo, Freshia Owino, Sinaida Nyachio, Judith Auma, and Edith Nariaka, among others.
“Last year, we were a bit thin in terms of numbers. We had two teams competing at the same time, and we did not have the depth to compete on both fronts. However, this time around, with the Sevens Series completed, we can focus on the Africa Cup and give it our best shot,” added Mwanja
The Lionesses beat Cameroon 39-17 in last year's campaign, then lost 29-22 to hosts Madagascar in a nail-biting encounter. In their final pool match, they were beaten by eventual champions South Africa 63-5. South Africa, in turn, qualified for the Rugby World Cup, which is being played in England in August this year
The Lionesses will kick off their campaign against Madagascar on June 7 at 3:00 pm EAT. On Match Day Two, they will take on last year’s winners, South Africa, on June 11 before wrapping up their campaign against Uganda Lady Cranes. The last two matches will kick off at 1:00 pm EAT.
The team has been in training for the last fortnight at the RFUEA ground, and Mwanja said the team has zeroed in on improving in the set-piece as well as discipline and decision-making. “ From last year's tournament, there are certain facets of play we were poor but we have worked on them and by the time the tournament is played, we will be in a strong position to compete,” noted Mwanja.
Mwanja said the ultimate goal for the team will be to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in 2029 in Australia and believes playing top-quality teams in the next three years will be vital in that regard.
