Dennis Mwanja addresses Lionesses’ lacklustre performance in SA

Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja has highlighted areas of concern after his charges went down 77-12 to South Africa ladies in an WX3 preparation match played in UWC, Cape Town on Saturday 16.

The Lionesses had it in the first half, scoring through Diana Kemunto and Stella Wafula with Grace Odhiambo managing a conversion. Springboks ladies also scored to see scores at 24-12 at half time.

Springboks ladies came in stronger in the final half, scoring 53 unanswered points that put the final nail on Lionesses’ coffin. South Africa were enjoying the home-based support in addition to a cold weather which proved difficult for Kenyans.

The hosts scored 12 tries with Veroeshka Grain scoring a hatrick while Nompumeleleo Mathe and Roseline Botes added a brace each.

Also on the score sheet with a try each were Siazo Mcatuslwa, Yonela Ngxingolo, Byrhandre Dolf, Daniel Lochiner, Umathi Male and fly half Libbie Van Rensburg, who added five conversions.

According to Mwanja, his charges had a strong first half but failed to capitalise on their strengths in the final half to concede 50+ points to their opponents.

“We were good in the first half but the second did not go according to plan. We have learnt some harsh lessons about international test rugby,” Mwanja offered.

The KCB Rugby assistant coach pointed out that they would hone their execution and defence, in addition to addressing the scrum, lineout, and defending the maul, areas which the hosts capitalised on.

"The foundation of every strong 15s team is the set piece. If you did not get it right then you get punished,” noted Mwanja.

Shujaa defeat South Africa in Africa Men’s 7s final to make Paris 2024 Olympics

Mwanja also noted that the ladies should hone their physical prowess and boost their overall intensity during matches to elevate their performance.

“Our physicality and intensity went down in the second half and it's something we must address if we are to match the big teams,” Mwanja said.

Saturday’s meeting was the fourth time the Springboks managed a win over Kenya. The two sides met in 2021 in Stellenbosch South Africa with the hosts winning 66-0 and 29-22.

Kenya also went down 48-0 to their arch-rivals during the Africa Cup tournament in Madagascar in May.

Kenya Lionesses will tackle San Clemente next weekend in what promises to be a mouth-watering fixture.

The Lionesses face an acid test in the WXV3 tournament, where they face Spain in their opening match on October 14 before taking on Kazakhstan on October 20. They play their final pool match against Colombia on October 27.

Kenya qualified for the WXV competition by finishing second in the Africa Cup, where they beat Madagascar 29-20, thrashed Cameroon 52-3, and lost to South Africa 48-0.

Lionesses squad in 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

*Denotes Debutantes