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Dennis Mwanja poses question to Kenya Lionesses ahead of historic HSBC SVNS bid
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 14.02.25. | 09:02
Kenya has been drawn into Pool D alongside familiar foes Poland and Samoa, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown
Do they want it as much?
This is the question Kenya Lionesses’ head coach Dennis Mwanja poses to his team as they gear up for the first leg of the HSBC World Rugby 7s Challenger Series, slated for March 1 in South Africa.
The Lionesses are on the verge of qualifying for the prestigious HSBC World Rugby 7s Series for the first time.
However, Mwanja, a former Kenya Sevens star, insists that their fate lies in their own hands.
"At the end of the day, they are the ones who should want it more than us. It is their turn to play. We all played when we had the chance, and it is their time to make the most of it," he said.
Kenya has been drawn into Pool D alongside familiar foes Poland and Samoa, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
After narrowly missing out on a top-four finish in the 2024 Challenger Series, the Lionesses are hungrier than ever. They finished fifth, just outside the play-off spots, while Poland secured fourth place and advanced to the final qualification round in Madrid. Now, Kenya is determined to break through and secure a spot in the elite competition.
Two weeks ago, the Lionesses faced Poland in a friendly match at RFUEA Grounds, emerging 19-12 victors. The win was not only a confidence booster, but also a testament to their growth since their last competitive clash, where Poland triumphed 21-10 in the main cup semi-finals in Krakow.
Kenya also has a history against Samoa, having crushed them 31-5 in the repechage tournament at the Paris Olympics qualifiers in Monaco.
These past encounters will provide valuable lessons as they navigate their group-stage challenges.
Kenya’s heartbreaking 19-12 loss to South Africa in last year’s Challenger Series final still lingers. However, Mwanja believes that disappointment has only strengthened their resolve.
The KCB Rugby tactician is optimistic that he will make history by leading them to this historic feat. His confidence stems from the ladies’ hard work and self-belief.
"If I lead them to qualify for the HSBC, I will say, ‘It is a blessing, Ni God.’ But there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes. We also believe in the grace of God, and it will give us confidence. We are not going to beg to get in, but we will stand to be counted," Mwanja concluded.
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