Coach Dennis Mwanja explains importance of Madagascar match for Lionesses

Kenya 15s national team; Lionesses will welcome Madagascar on Friday, 20 September, at the RFUEA Grounds.

This one-of-a-kind match will serve as a significant opportunity for the Lionesses to avenge their 29-22 loss to the Indian Ocean islanders during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup back in May.

The win saw Madagascar qualify for the WXV3 competition in Dubai.

Speaking ahead of the match, coach Dennis Mwanja noted that the match will provide the Lionesses with an opportunity to test their skills ahead of the upcoming Safari 7s, slated for Friday, October 11, to Sunday, October 13.

They finished second in last year’s showpiece after a narrow 15-12 loss to Uganda’s Lady Cranes.

“This match is not just a warm-up for Madagascar on their way to Dubai, but it’s also a critical step in our strategy to prepare for the Safari 7s,” he offered.

The tactician has included the services of some experienced players like Sheila Chajira, captain Natasha Emali, Freshia Awino, and Moureen Muritu in a bid to conquer their opponents.

“Our squad will have a higher stake in winning as we have recalled some of our seven players to come and boost the performance, and this, we hope, will bring a new energy to the team,” Mwanja said.

For the coach, this game is more than just a friendly; “The test match is not only a buildup for us but also gives an emphasis on the importance of the Kenya Lionesses.”

At the same time, the tactician observed that the team’s energy and enthusiasm have been palpable during training sessions, fueled by the anticipation of returning to the iconic RFUEA Grounds after a long hiatus.

The game will affect the Kenya Lionesses' World Rugby ranking following their challenging performance in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.

“In recent years, Women’s rugby had been underrated but with the introduction of the new world rugby tiers, we need more women on board and as a union, we have set measures to ensure that all the major clubs in Kenya introduce women's rugby before the start of the Kenya Cup season,” he concluded.

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On her side, the team’s captain Chajira noted that they picked their lessons during their last match against Madagascar and will be keen to shine this time.

“We lost by playing an open game last time, but we’re reverting to our strong, physical Kenyan style, and we’ll be more aggressive,” Chajira offered.

Meanwhile, Madagascar is set to compete in the 2024 WXV 3 tournament in the UAE from September 27 to October 13, alongside Fiji, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Samoa, and Spain.

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Kenya Lionesses Squad to Face Madagascar:

Natasha Emali (c), Naomi Muhanji, Rose Atieno, Naomi Jelegat, Maureen Chebet, Diana Kemunto, Enid Ouma, Sheila Chajira, Edith Nariaka, Grace Okulu, Terry Ayesa, Stella Wafula, Maureen Muritu, Freshia Awino, and Sinaida Mokaya

Replacements:

Mitchell Akinyi, Sheila Wesa, Diana Mideva, Noleen Khaleyi, Hellen Achieng, Judith Auma, Faith Livoi, and Ann Njeri