Natasha Emali will captain Kenya Lionesses, the national rugby 15s team ahead of the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division tournament set to kick off this Saturday May 23rd at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya.
Head coach Simon Odongo named the team as they seek to win the title after falling to South Africa last year with the tournament kicking off om May 23 -31 where four nations, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Madagascar.
South Africa will open the tournament against Madagascar at 2pm before hosts Kenya face off with neighbours Uganda at 4pm on May 23rd.
Come May 27th, Kenya will tackle Madagascar after South Africa tackling Uganda then on the final day in a round robin Uganda will host Madagascar then Kenya face champions South Africa to conclude the tournament.
Kenya will head into the competition with confidence, buoyed by home support and familiarity with conditions at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
The squad has experienced Naomi Muhanji, Knight Otwoma, Phoebe Otieno, Naomi Amuguni, Sheila Chajira, Judith Auma, Edith Nariaka, Maureen Muritu, Faith Livoi, Janet Okello, Stella Wafula, Freshia Oduor and Sinaida Mokaya.
Rugby Africa Cup Performance Division defending champions South Africa head into the tournament after a dominant previous campaign. The Springbok Women sealed the continental title with a commanding 61-17 victory over hosts Madagascar.
Squad
Jane Chanya
Jascenta Musakali
Natasha Emali (cc)
Sheila Wesa
Valentine Otieno
Naomy Muhanji
Knight Otwoma
Phoebe Otieno
Charity Oteng’o
Naomi Jelagat
Edith Sitati
Nelly Chikombe
Naomi Amuguni
Sheila Chajira
Maria Gorette
Atieno Awuor
Marvel Oswago
Judith Auma (cc)
Edith Nariaka
Maureen Muritu
Faith Livoi
Janet Okello
Angel Salamba
Yvette Okech
Stella Wafula
Freshia Oduor
Tracey Montex
Sinaida Mokaya