Kenya Lionesses Utility player Stellah Wafula/ CHARLENE MALWA
Kenya Lionesses utility player Stellah Wafula says international exposure and improved support systems have played a major role in preparing the national women’s rugby side for the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup set for RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi from May 23 to May 31.
Wafula believes experiences gained from overseas training programmes and international competitions have helped the Lionesses better understand the physical and tactical demands of elite rugby while accelerating the growth of the women’s game.
“When we trained abroad, we learnt more about gym work, active recovery and adapting to different styles of play. Those experiences are helping us prepare better and improve our performance as a team,” said Wafula.
The team is currently in a residential training camp at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
“In training, we have been focusing a lot on speed, passing accuracy, fitness and recovery since these are some of the areas that make a big difference at this level. The intensity has been high and everyone is pushing each other to improve,” said Wafula.
Last year, Wafula attended a high-performance training programme in the United States before linking up with the national team, an experience she believes significantly elevated her game.
“The experience was good. I learnt a lot from other players, especially from the US, Canada, Samoa and South Africa. Playing and training with players from different countries helped me improve,” she noted.
This exposure, she said, has sharpened her speed, decision-making and execution under pressure.
“What helped me improve most was seeing how teams like South Africa play with speed and accuracy in passing. It challenged me to raise my level,” she added.
The Lionesses have in recent years continued to test themselves against established and emerging rugby nations including South Africa, Argentina and Colombia, experiences Wafula says have strengthened the squad mentally and tactically.
Since making her debut for the national team in 2018, Wafula says women’s rugby in Kenya has undergone significant transformation, largely driven by increased sponsorship and more international opportunities.
“Things have changed a lot. Sponsorship has helped value us as girls. Before, there were many challenges, but now we get more opportunities like training camps in Spain and international matches,” she said.
Wafula believes the Lionesses will draw motivation from playing in front of their supporters as they target a strong campaign in the Rugby Africa Cup.
“Playing at home gives us extra motivation since we will have our fans behind us. Our target is to finish at the top,” she said.
