Kenya Lionesses, the national ruby women team head coach Dennis Mwanja has named Grace Adhiambo to captain the team at the Africa Sevens- cum-Olympic qualifiers slated for October 14-15 in Tunisia.
Adhiambo, who will be deputised by Judith Auma as well as the WXV3 tournament kicking off on the same day in Dubai, he faces a tough juggling act in choosing two competitive squads for the two key tournaments.
“The Olympic qualifier is key for us and we are sending a very strong squad to Tunis to qualify for Paris. We believe the girls have what it takes to earn the automatic slot in France next year,” the tactician said.
Mwanja said the union had tried to speak to Rugby Africa to postpone the qualifier to next month to give the 15’s team adequate time to prepare for the WXV3 tournament but their plea fell on deaf ears.
Sevens squad: Sharon Auma, Stella Wafula, Phoebe Akinyi, Judith Okumu, Grace Adhiambo, Janet Okello, Diana Awino, Terry Ayesa, Naomi Amuguni, Maureen Muritu, Dorcas Nyachio and Christabel Lindo.
Lionesses 15s squad: Rose Otieno, Knight Otwoma, Natasha Emali, Helsa Khisa, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Goretti, Angel Charity Juma, Laureen Akoth, Priscah Nyerere, Freshia Awino and Diana Omoso.
Technical team:
Naomi Muhanji, Evelyn Kalamera, Mercy Migingo, Stacy Atieno, Michelle Akinyi, Edith Narlaka, Jiveti Daisy Osore, Lewin Amazimbi, Valentine Otieno and Maureen Chebet.