Quins' backrower Doris Kimani, Northern Suburbs winger Yvette Oketch and Katundu Ivonee (unattached) are the new faces in the Kenya Lionesses squad for the Rugby Africa Cup in Madagascar on June 7.
Assistant coach Simon Odongo said the trio have merited their inclusion in the squad owing to their superb performance in training and will be an asset as the Lionesses look at dethroning South Africa in the Indian Ocean island.
Training, which began a fortnight ago, has been competitive with 60 Kenya Cup players battling for slots. “It's been a tough task, but the players selected put their hand up in training. Having players from the Sevens team was an added boost as they bring the X Factor and experience to the training,” added Odongo.
The Lionesses have painful memories from last year's performance in Madagascar, where they finished third to miss out on World Cup qualification and a slot at the WXV tournament in Dubai—something not lost on Odongo.
“We will use that reminder to push ourselves this year. We were on the wrong end of some poor decisions by the referee in the key match against Madagascar, where we lost 29-22."
The Lionesses subsequently beat Cameroon 39-17, then lost 63-5 to South Africa. Odongo said the team has worked on their setpiece, both the scrum and lineout, as well as decision-making and alignment in defence. " It's been an intense training period looking at facets of play and improving in them, and with a couple of days before we depart, we can refine a few areas to be in good shape," noted Odongo.
Four teams will grace the tournament, including defending champion South Africa, hosts Madagascar, Uganda and Kenya.
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.
Squad
Forwards: Jane Chanya, Natasha Emali, Kalundu Ivonee, Khaleyi Noleen, Naomi Muhanji, Wesa Sheila, Mitchell Akinyi, Knight Otuoma, Phoebe Akinyi, Maureen Chebet, Enid Ouma (captain), Naomi Jelagat, Naomi Amuguni, Sheila Chajira, Nelly Chikombe and Kimani Doris.
Backs: Editha Nariaka, Ann Njeri, Grace Okulu, Diana Awino, Freshia Awino, Oketch Yvette, Angel Juma, Christabel Lindo, Faith Livoi, Moreen Muritu, Stella Wafula and Sinaida Mokaya.
