Kenya Lionesses coach heaps praise on returning scrum half ahead of HSBC SVNS 2 legs
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 17.03.26. | 17:26
Despite the time away from the pitch, Odongo expressed confidence that the scrum half still possesses the qualities needed to make an impact, even as the technical bench manages her return carefully
Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo is confident that the return of talented scrum half Judith Auma will inject fresh energy into the squad as the team prepares for the remaining two legs of the HSBC SVNS 2 series in South America.
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The powerful halfback has been included in the travelling squad heading to Montevideo, Uruguay, for the second leg scheduled for Saturday, 21 to Sunday, 22, before the series concludes in São Paulo, Brazil, from Saturday, 28 to Sunday, 29 March.
Auma returns after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following an ankle injury sustained last year. The injury ruled her out of key competitions, including the Safari Sevens, the Africa Women’s Sevens, and the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 series held in Nairobi.
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Despite the time away from the pitch, Odongo expressed confidence that the scrum half still possesses the qualities needed to make an impact, even as the technical bench manages her return carefully.
“Judith Auma has just returned from injury, and our job is to slowly ease her into the squad. We already know what she can do. Even a 50 per cent Judith can outfight anyone who is 100 per cent.
Our job is just to tame her and ensure she is in good health. As we move into the championship, she will get the minutes she requires to fight back and reclaim her spot in the squad,” Odongo told Mozzart Sport.
Also making a return to the team is Faith Livoi, who had been left out of the squad for the Division 2 opening leg in Nairobi but has now been recalled for the South American tour.
However, Phoebe Akinyi, who featured during the Africa Women’s Sevens and the Nairobi leg of the Division 2 competition, misses out on selection this time around.
Charity Nilah and Marvel Oswago have retained their places in the squad after making their maiden appearances during last month’s competition in Nairobi.
The Lionesses will once again rely on the experience of captain Sheila Chajira, Janet “Shebesh” Okello, Sinaida Nyachio, speedster Freshia Oduor, and Stella Wafula as they look to improve their fortunes.
Kenya heads into the Montevideo leg facing an uphill battle, currently sitting fifth in the standings with six points, just one place above bottom-placed Brazil.
The Lionesses endured a difficult outing on home soil during the Nairobi leg, finishing fifth, and will now be targeting top-three finishes in both remaining tournaments to keep their promotion hopes alive.
They will open their Montevideo campaign against China, Argentina, and Spain on Saturday before taking on South Africa and Brazil on the final day.
After the Uruguay leg, the Lionesses will proceed to São Paulo for the third and final leg of the series, where they will compete alongside their male counterparts, Shujaa, as both teams seek strong finishes to the campaign.