Knight Otwoma misses as Murunga names squad for Kazakhstan duel

Experienced forward Knight Otwoma is set to grace the sidelines when the Kenya Lionesses take on Kazakhstan in their second WXV3 tournament, penciled for Friday, October 20.

Otwoma suffered an injury in the opening match against Spain on Saturday, October 14.

The captain, who had taken up the number eight position for the match against Spain, a change from her usual role as a hooker in the front row, wished her teammates success as they took on another challenge.

"The Lionesses are a great force. We will embrace every challenge as an opportunity to shine, and with courage, we shall roar louder than ever. This is our moment, and together, we will make our nation proud," said Otwoma.

Her position has been taken up by Naomi Jelagat, who is among the seven changes that coach Paul Murunga has made in the squad to face Kazakhstan.

Debutant Maureen Chebet starts in the second row alongside Faith Livoi. Speedster Terry Ayesa comes in place of Lewin Amazimbi.

Coach Paul Murunga will be enjoying the services of Enid Ouma, who will be making an appearance for the first time in two matches due to an injury.

She starts ahead of Michelle Akinyi in the back row, which has Jelagat and Diana Kemunto.

Murunga confident of Lionesses abilities despite loss to Spain

The other four changes are on the bench, where Grace Okulu, Judith Okumu, Phoebe Akinyi, and Mercy Migongo are all named.

Okulu, Okumu, Akinyi, Ayesa, and Sharon Auma were part of the squad that finished second at last weekend’s Rugby Africa Women’s 7s in Tunisia, although Auma has not been included in the match-day squad.

The Lionesses' front row remains unchanged, with Rose Otieno, Staycy Atieno, and Natasha Emali all starting.

The half-back pairing of Diana Omosso and Anne Goretti is again retained for this fixture, with Laurine Akoth partnering Prisca Nyerere in midfield as Ayesa, Esther Juma, and Freshia Juma complete the back three.

Mwanja elated with Lionesses' performance at Africa Women's 7s

Commenting on the changes, Murunga was excited that five more players had joined the squad from Tunisia to further strengthen it. He was optimistic that they would roar.

"We picked up a few injuries in the opening match. Faith sustained an injury to the shin, and Knight is out for this weekend, while Winnie Awino, who came off the bench last weekend, is out for the rest of the tournament due to a concussion. We are happy that we have been joined by five of the players who were with the sevens team in Tunisia. We will keep Phoebe, Grace, and Judy on the bench. Terry starts this game, replacing Amazimbi, who has been rested. They may come in later in the second half, the reasons being that we want to build a consistent team in terms of how they have been training and playing," he explained.

The Lionesses will then take on Colombia on October 27 in their final match.

Lionesses Match Day Squad

15. Freshia Awino, 14. Terry Ayesa, 13. Prisca Nyerere, 12. Laurine Akoth, 11. Esther Juma, 10. Anne Goretti, 9. Diana Omosso, 1. Rose Otieno, 2. Staycy Atieno, 3. Natasha Emali, 4. Maureen Chebet, 5. Faith Livoi, 6. Enid Ouma (c), 7. Diana Kemunto, 8. Naomi Jelagat

REPLACEMENTS 16. Naomi Muhanji, 17. Mercy Migongo, 18. Evelyn Kalemera, 19. Hesla Khisa, 20. Phoebe Akinyi, 21. Judith Okumu, 22. Grace Okulu, 23. Michelle Akinyi