The Kenya Women’s National Team, Lionesses, are set to play two build up matches in South Africa as part of their preparations for the inaugural World Rugby WXV3 competition set for 13-28 October 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The team will play against South Africa on Saturday 16 September before taking on the San Clemente Rhinos a week later.
Head Coach Dennis Mwanja welcomed the fixtures, saying, “We are at a very exciting time in Kenya Lionesses history. This invitation to play the friendlies has come about as a result of the journey we have been through in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, from topping Pool B in Uganda to ending up overall runners up in Madagascar, a feat that earned us qualification to the newly introduced World Rugby WXV3. These two matches serve as a build up to the tournament in Dubai.”
“We will have the team minus the sevens players who are preparing for the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens which take place on the same weekend as the WXV3 opener. This is therefore an opportunity for us to focus on our depth and build our capacity and experience as the Lionesses. This tour of South Africa is indeed a shot in the arm,” added Mwanja.
“We are looking at taking a game at a time. This is unchartered territory for the Lionesses but we are happy to roll with the punches and take in the experience. We are quietly confident, we are happy about the upcoming period of activity, “ concluded Mwanja.
Enid Ouma captains the side which is set to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday 13 September 2023.
Lionesses squad to South Africa
Rose Otieno , Knight Otwoma, Natasha Emali , Faith Livoi*, Hesla Khisa, Diana Kemunto, Enid Ouma, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Goretti , Jiveti Daisy Osore* , Priscah Nyerere , Naomi Amuguni ,Esther Juma*, Diana Omoso*, Naomi Muhanji*, Evelyne Kalemera, Mercy Migongo, Phoebe Ouma, Judith Okumu ,Grace Okulu,Sinaida Mokaya,Stella Wafula ,Sharon Auma, Michelle Akinyi