Lessons learned from Lionesses' repechage run in Monaco

The Kenya 7s national women’s team; Lionesses’ hopes of competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics were dashed after they suffered a 24-7 loss to China in the final of the Olympic repechage played on Sunday in Monaco.

This was their second and final chance to book that plane to Paris.

Last year, the fierce Lionesses missed a direct Olympic slot succumbing to a 12-7 defeat against South Africa in the 2023 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s Cup final played in July in Monastir, Tunisia, forcing them to the repechage.

Lionesses miss Olympic slot with repechage final loss to China

In the build up to the tournament, the ladies had training sessions in Miramas, France to further sharpen their skills. They also camped in Kasarani under the close watch of inexhaustible coaches.

They then travelled to Monaco days to the tournament to acclimatize themselves with the weather and terrain.

They began their hunt with a 31-5 victory over Samoa before hitting Argentina 19-17 to end their pool matches on a high. They only played two pool matches because their opponents Papua New Guinea pulled out of the tournament in the eleventh hour.

2/2 wins saw them top pool A with eight points to proceed to the quarterfinals.

At this stage, they edged Argentina 15-12 to set up a semifinal against Czechia. They would then power 12-10 past their semifinal opponents to cruise to the finals where they met China.

Despite the loss, the Lionesses showcased a rare combination of skill, strong character and zeal to that stage.

But what lessons did we pick from their hunt?

1. The impact of international players was massive

International players are a valuable asset because they bring a wealth of experience to the team. Having competed in different leagues and facing diverse playing styles, they offer a wider tactical understanding and a different perspective on the game.

This experience can be crucial, especially for younger players who can learn from their international teammates' composure under pressure and their ability to adapt to new situations on the field.

The duo of Janet Okello and Grace Adhiambo Okulu who play for Japanese club MIE Pearls brought exactly that. They did not compete in the third leg of the HSBC Sevens Challenger in Krakow, Poland due to club commitments, but their impact in Monaco was felt.

For instance, in the final match against China, they showcased a unique play to score Kenya’s sole points.

2. Rookies are a force to be reckoned with

This time round, coach Dennis Mwanja included rookies Edith Nariaka and Freshia Oduor to the squad, replacing Terry Ayesa and Phoebe Akinyi, who played in Poland.

Sinaida Nyachio too was included. She was the youngest in the team.

She proved that age was just a number after scoring two tries and three conversions in their opening match against Samoa.

If nurtured well, the new faces could be the next big thing for the Lionesses.

3. The level of talent in Kenya is unmatched

Lionesses' impressive run served as a strong testament to the depth of talent within Kenyan women's rugby.

Despite falling short in the final, the Lionesses battled through the competition, showcasing their skill and determination.

Kenya was the only African country to reach the final of the tournament. Their East African counterparts; Uganda suffered a 22-0 defeat to Czechia in the quarterfinals to bow out of contention. It was that same Czechia that Kenya defeated 12-10 in the semifinal to reach the final stage.

This performance highlights the potential within the national team, and paves the way for future success in the sport.

Paarwater backs Chipu to garner good results in Scotland

4. Ladies’ rugby is on the rise

Coach Mwanja, in an exclusive with Mozzart Sport before the team travelled to Monaco noted that the recent performance by Kenya women in different tournaments served as a testimony to the rise and rise of the game.

This year alone, the Lionesses have graced the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, the HSBC Challenger Series, the Olympics repechage, and will play in the upcoming Safari 7s among other tournaments. During last year’s Safari 7s, Kenya fielded two ladies’ teams; Lionesses and Cubs, who all performed well.

Despite the increasing number of tournaments, the country has not lacked ready talents to maintain the competitive edge of the national team.

The Lionesses failed to book a plane to Paris, an HSBC World Rugby 7s slot, and failed to qualify for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, but their performance has been nothing short of amazing.

They will go back to the drawing board and right their wrongs in readiness for upcoming challenges.