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Kenya Lionesses target Rugby Africa Women’s Cup glory against South Africa
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 31.05.26. | 08:26
The highly anticipated encounter also offers the Lionesses a chance for redemption, having fallen 17-10 to South Africa in last year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
The stage is set for a thrilling finale to the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup as the Kenya Lionesses take on defending champions South Africa Women in a winner-takes-all clash on Sunday, 31 May at the RFUEA Grounds.
Having remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, the Lionesses head into the title decider brimming with confidence after a commanding 57-0 victory over Madagascar. Another strong performance against the Springbok Women could see Kenya crowned continental champions on home soil.
The hosts currently sit top of the standings with 10 points and a superior points difference of +90, following back-to-back bonus-point wins. South Africa are second, also on 10 points, but trail Kenya due to an inferior points difference after conceding more points in their opening two matches.
The highly anticipated encounter also offers the Lionesses a chance for redemption, having fallen 17-10 to South Africa in last year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
Head coach Simon Odongo has made several adjustments to his squad as he looks to guide Kenya to glory.
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Among the notable changes is the promotion of Charity Nillah from the bench to the starting XV. Nillah slots into the second row alongside Naomi Jelagat, replacing Phoebe Otieno, who misses out on the matchday squad.
The backline has also been reshuffled, with Sinaida Mokaya moving from fullback to fly-half. Moreen Muritu, who started at fly-half against Madagascar, shifts to outside centre.
The front row remains unchanged, with Jane Chanya, Naomi Muhanjii, and co-captain Natasha Emali retaining their starting berths. Nelly Chikombe, Marvel Oswago, and Sheila Chajira continue in the back row.
Co-captain Judith Auma keeps her place at scrum-half and will partner Mokaya in the halfback combination, while Stella Wafula and Faith Livoi maintain their positions in the backline.
Odongo has also refreshed his replacement bench, bringing in Naomi Amuguni and Angel Salamba in place of Sheila Wesa and Atieno Awuor.
Despite the excitement surrounding the title decider, Odongo remains fully aware of the challenge posed by the defending champions.
“We know South Africa are a very physical side, and they have shown that throughout the tournament. We have prepared well for them, and the girls understand what is required. We are focused on executing our game plan and delivering our best performance,” said Odongo.
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South Africa head into the clash after an impressive 47-20 victory over Uganda Lady Cranes and will be equally determined to retain their continental crown.
Before the title showdown, Madagascar Women and Uganda Lady Cranes will battle for survival in the tournament’s opening fixture.
Both sides head into the match without a win. Madagascar opened their campaign with a 64-5 defeat to South Africa before suffering a 57-0 loss to Kenya, while Uganda fell 43-10 to Kenya and later lost 47-20 to South Africa.
The stakes are high, with the winner securing their place in Africa’s top tier, while the loser faces relegation and elimination from the qualification pathway to the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The Madagascar–Uganda fixture kicks off earlier in the day, while all eyes will be on the RFUEA Grounds at 4:00pm when Kenya and South Africa lock horns in a contest that will decide the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup champions.
