Kenya Lionesses squad for South Africa Test matches named

The Kenya Rugby National 15s Ladies team, Kenya Lionesses, have named a squad of 30 players who depart for South Africa early on Tuesday morning for two test series against the Springbok Women set to be staged at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport on August 12 and 16.

The Felix Oloo coached side will be using the two matches as preparation for their crucial Rugby World Cup Repechage Qualifier against Colombia that is set to take place on August 25th in Nairobi. Prior to this tour, the ladies have had weekly residential camps for the last month as well as two midweek training sessions at the RFUEA Grounds.

In an interview on Kenya Rugby Union’s website, captain Joy Kendagor expressed his pleasure at how the team has gone about its duties since suffering consecutive defeats to Madagascar Women in the 2021 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup. She also called on the team to use the match to prepare themselves for their tie against Colombia later on in the month.

“The team is fitter, we have more rugby knowledge, a program is compiled for us so we know what to prepare for ahead of training and every session is done with intention. Women Boks are currently the best women’s 15s rugby team in Africa and we need to play the best to improve ourselves. There is no better way to prepare for the Colombia game so that we know exactly what we need to do to produce results,” she is quoted.

The Lionesses will miss the services to Emmaculate Awuor and Janet Kerubo as the two sustained injuries during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup last month. However, they’re boosted with the return of eight Olympians as they head to South Africa. The matches are scheduled to be held on 12th and 16th August at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport in Cape Town.

Lionesses Squad to South Africa

Mercy Migongo (Homeboyz RFC), Priscah Nyerere (Impala Saracens), Stacy Atieno (Mwamba RFC), Ann Gorety (Impala Saracens), Linet Moraa (Homeboyz RFC), Sophia Ayieta (Homeboyz RFC), Philadelphia Orlando (Northern Suburbs), Sheila Chajira (Homeboyz RFC), Diana Kemunto (Impala Saracens), Laurine Akoth (Top Fry Nakuru), Peruce Muyuka (Northern Suburbs), Bernadette Olesia (Northern Suburbs), Cynthia Camilla (Homeboyz RFC), Leah Wambui (Homeboyz RFC), Judith Auma (Impala Saracens), Faith Marindany (Northern Suburbs), Evelyne Kalemera (Mwamba RFC), Everlyne Akinyi (Mwamba RFC), Joy Kendagor (Northern Suburbs), Naomi Amuguni (Mwamba RFC), Winnie Owino (Impala Saracens), Knight Otwoma (Impala Saracens), Grace Adhiambo (Top Fry Nakuru), Janet Okello (Mwamba RFC), Rose Otieno (Northern Suburbs), Dorcas Mokaya (Homeboyz RFC), Mitchelle Akinyi (Impala Saracens), Christabel Lindo), Juliet Nyambura (Northern Suburbs), Ann Njeri (Impala Saracens)