Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja has named five new players into the team that will be captained by Sheila Chajira ahead of Rugby Africa Women’s Cup that kicks off this Saturday in Madagascar.
The seasoned Chajira will be assisted by Enid Ouma and Judith Okumu during the qualifiers.
Mwanja included three Northern Suburbs players-centre Lewin Mwevesi, prop Valentine Atieno, backrow Hellen Anyango and Nakuru’s fullback Freshia Oduor.
The Lionesses start their campaign with a clash against hosts Madagascar on May 20 before playing South Africa on May 24. They conclude their campaign with a match against Cameroon on May 28.
The winner of this tournament will qualify for the second tier of the newly launched World Rugby WXV with the runner-up qualifying for the third tier of the same competition which is intended to revolutionise the women’s international rugby landscape.
Kenya Lionesses squad for Africa Rugby Women’s Cup
Sheila Chajira (captain), Enid Ouma, Judith Okumu (vice captains), Rose Otieno, Evelyne Kalemera, Natasha Emali, Knight Otwoma, Bernadette Olesia, Hesla Khisa, Phoebe Akinyi, Diana Kemunto, Grace Adhiambo, Ann Goretti, Jean Bisela, Maureen Muritu, Stellah Wafula, Winnie Owino, Naomi Jelagat, Terry Ayesa, Diana Awino, Valentine Atieno, Nelly Chikombe, Lewin Mwevezi, Mercy Migongo, Sinaida Mokaya, Hellen Anyango, Mitchelle Akinyi and Freshia Oduor.
Officials: Dennis Mwanja (head coach), Paul Murunga (assistant coach), Geoffrey Onyango (conditioning coach), Camilyne Oyuayo (team manager) and Levis Kituyi (physio).