Kenya Lionesses player Janet Okello in action in a previous tournament/FILEKenya Lionesses stars Stella Wafula and Diana Owino will miss the Africa Cup Sevens scheduled for November 14–17 at the RFUEA Ground due to club commitments.
Interim head coach Simon Odongo confirmed on Tuesday that the pair, who feature for the Rhino franchise in the United States, will miss the tournament but expressed confidence in the depth of his squad.
“Stella and Diana will miss the tournament, but we are building depth in the team,” said Odongo. “With the 22 players we have in camp, we believe we have replacements for them.”
Odongo welcomed the return of Janet ‘Shebesh’ Okello, who is back in the squad after a 12-month stint in Japan. Her experience and flair will be vital to Kenya’s campaign.
“Janet has been away for a year, but she still has the trademark speed and step,” he said. “Her experience in Japan has improved her rugby, and I believe she will be an asset to the team as we head to the Africa Cup.”
Freshia Awino and Christabel Lindo, both returning from injury, are also in contention for selection after impressive displays at last month’s Safari Sevens at Nyayo Stadium.
“Freshia and Christabel showed their worth at the Safari Sevens with exemplary performances after injuries. They are in contention to play at the African event,” Odongo added.
Kenya are in Pool ‘B’, where they will open their campaign against Cote d'Ivoire before facing Ghana.
“Cote d'Ivoire are an unknown quantity—we’ll get some footage on them,” said Odongo. “As for Ghana, they are a team on the up and will be competitive. We’ll take each game as it comes.”
Odongo said the tournament will serve as solid preparation for the World Rugby Sevens Series Division Two, set to begin in February 2026. He is expected to name his final squad next week.
Elsewhere, defending champions South Africa headline Pool ‘A’ alongside Zimbabwe and Mauritius. Uganda top Pool ‘C’ with Zambia and Burkina Faso, while Madagascar, Tunisia and Egypt make up Pool ‘D’.
