Kenya Lionesses announce squad for HSBC Challenger Series
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 21.02.25. | 14:07
Coach Mwanja expressed confidence in the team's preparation, noting that his charges were up to the task
Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja has unveiled his squad for the 2025 HSBC Challenger Series that kicks off on Saturday 1 March at the Athlone Stadium in South Africa.
The squad features a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, with Grace Okulu leading as captain. Most of the squad members were part of the team that finished fifth in the 2024 Challenger Series and finished second in the Paris Olympics qualifiers.
Naomi Amuguni, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Stellah Wafula, Faith Livoi, Moreen Muritu, Sinaida Mokaya, Freshia Oduor, Judith Okumu, Grace Okulu (Captain), Sharon Auma, and Diana Ochieng are all in the travelling party.
Coach Mwanja expressed confidence in the team's preparation, noting that his charges were up to the task.
“The girls have been working hard in training, and I am confident they will put in the work on the field. This is a talented and resilient group, and I believe they are ready for the task ahead,” Mwanja said.
Kenya has been drawn in Pool D alongside Poland and Samoa. The team aims to secure a top-four finish in the overall standings, which would earn them a place in the HSBC SVNS play-off tournament in Los Angeles.
Last season, the Lionesses came agonizingly close, finishing fifth overall, just outside the qualification spots. Poland edged them to fourth place and advanced to the final shootout in Madrid. This year, Kenya is determined to break the barrier and qualify for the elite competition for the first time.
The team has already tested itself against Poland, securing a 19-12 victory in a friendly match at RFUEA Grounds three weeks ago. The win served as a morale booster heading into the tournament.
This was not the first meeting between the two teams. Poland defeated Kenya 21-10 in the 2024 Challenger Series main cup semi-finals in Krakow.
The Lionesses have succeeded against Samoa, previously defeating them 31-5 in the Olympic repechage tournament in Monaco.
Kenya will draw motivation from last year’s heartbreak when they fell 19-12 to South Africa in the Challenger Series final. That near-miss has fueled their determination to go one step further this time.
Their campaign has also received a financial boost from telecommunications giant Safaricom, whose sponsorship will bolster the team’s preparations.
Host nation South Africa headlines Pool A, where they will compete against the Czech Republic and Hong Kong China. Pool B features Argentina, Thailand (newcomers), and Mexico, while Pool C consists of Uganda, Belgium, and Colombia.
The top eight teams from the first two rounds will progress to the third round, scheduled for Friday 11 and Saturday 12 April in Krakow, Poland.
The top four ranked teams after this stage will qualify for the HSBC SVNS play-off tournament in Los Angeles on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May, where they will battle for a spot in the prestigious HSBC SVNS circuit.
