T. NashipaeMurunga adamant as Lionesses face acid test in Dubai
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 04.10.23. | 15:59
Pau pointed out that the main aim was to expose the ladies to high intensity matches, as well as build a formidable squad
Kenya Ladies national team; Lionesses' have named their squads for the upcoming Africa 7s-cum-Olympic qualifiers penciled for October 14-15 in Tunisia, as well as the WXV3 tournament scheduled for Dubai from October 13-28.
Former Kenya 7s tactician Paul Murunga will take charge of the team travelling to Dubai for WXV3 qualifiers while former Kenya 7s International Dennis Mwanja will spearhead the team to Tunisia.
In Dubai, the Lionesses will face an acid test in the WXV3 tournament, where they face Spain in their opening match on October 14 before taking on Kazakhstan on October 20. They will play their final pool match against Colombia on October 27.
Commenting on the squad, Murunga pointed out that their main aim was to expose the ladies to high intensity matches, as well as build a formidable squad.
"We are building up. It is a new version by World Rugby. We have never played in that territory, and for women's rugby, it is more of a build up towards better standards. The more rookies we expose to the game the better than maybe having the best all the time. If we say we focus on good players alone, it means that we will not empower the young ones. So, we will find ourselves in a status like that of Kenya 7s whereby we had stars like Collins Injera for 10-15 years, and when we brought in other players, they were very green," Pau offered.
For the tactician, the opportunity to play at such high levels was a testament to the growth of women's rugby in the country.
"Even men do not have opportunities to play at such levels. They play qualifiers, and at most repechage where they might meet Spain. But for women, it is good for them because they are already being exposed to higher levels of play like 15s, and it will be easier for them to play even at the World Cup," he averred.
Pau also pointed out that after the completion of the O lympics qualifiers on Sunday 15, five players would join the team in Dubai for their match against Kazakhstan on October 20.
"We will play Spain with the squad we have, then we get like five girls from Tunisia after the completion of the Olympics qualifiers. We had wished most of the 7s girls to come and join the 15s in Dubai, but now we are limited to only five by World Rugby," he told Mozzart Sport.
The team to Tunisia will be captained by immensely talented Grace Odhiambo who has been an integral member of the squad for the last four years. She will be deputized by Judith Auma. Lionesses will be looking to qualify for the third time in their succession since making their debut on the global stage in Rio 2016.
For Mwanja, choosing two competitive squads for the tournaments was head scratching.
"The Olympic qualifier is key for us and we are sending a very strong squad to Tunisia to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. We believe the girls have what it takes to earn an automatic slot in France next year," the KCB Rugby assistant coach professed.
The Lionesses will face Zambia, Ghana, and Madagascar in Pool B. Pool A features powerhouses South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Sevens squad: Sharon Auma, Stella Wafula, Phoebe Akinyi, Judith Okumu, Grace Odhiambo, Janet Okello, Diana Awino, Terry Ayesa, Naomi Amuguni, Maureen Muritu, Dorcas Nyachio, and Christabel Lindo
15s squad: Rose Otieno, Knight Otwoma, Natasha Emali, Helsa Khisa, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Goretti, Angel Charity Juma, Laureen Akoth, Priscah Nyerere, Freshia Owino, and Diana Omosso.
Reserves: Naomi Muhanji, Evelyn Kalamera, Mercy Migingo, Stacy Atieno, Michelle Akinyi, Edith Narlaka, Jiveti Daisy Osore, Lewin Amazimbi, Valentine Otieno, Maureen Chebet.
