Rugby Africa Women’s Cup: Kenya Lionesses eye upset against Springboks
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 11.06.25. | 09:52
Despite South Africa's overwhelming dominance in their head-to-head record, including a 63-5 rout over Kenya, the Lionesses are approaching this match with determination and a sense of purpose
The national women's rugby 15s team, Kenya Lionesses, head into their second Rugby Africa Women’s Cup fixture with one goal of toppling a dominant South African Springboks.
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The two sides will clash on Wednesday, 11 June, at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar, with both teams carrying momentum from emphatic first-round wins.
Kenya outclassed hosts Madagascar 28-5, while South Africa flexed their continental muscle with a 62-7 demolition of Uganda.
Despite South Africa's overwhelming dominance in their head-to-head record, including a 63-5 rout over Kenya, the Lionesses are approaching this match with determination and a sense of purpose.
“We want to give every member of the squad an opportunity to contribute on the field because they’ve worked incredibly hard to be here.
The spirit is high, and we’re focused on playing our game, building on the good start we had," head coach Simon Odongo said.
Odongo has rung a few tactical changes ahead of the showdown. Naomi Jelagat earns a start at lock, replacing Phoebe Akinyi, who is sidelined due to a concussion sustained against Madagascar. This is the only alteration in the forwards' starting pack.
The backline, however, has undergone notable restructuring. Versatile playmaker Grace Okulu slides from fly-half to outside center, paving the way for Moreen Muritu to take command at number 10.
Faith Livoi partners with Okulu in the midfield, while seasoned campaigner Stella Wafula shifts to the blindside wing.
In the back row, captain Enid Ouma moves to the left flank with Naomi Amuguni switching to the open side. The ever-reliable Sheila Chajira continues at number eight, anchoring a unit that has shown both grit and guile.
The front row remains unchanged, featuring Natasha Emali, Naomi Muhanji, and Jane Chanya. Maureen Chebet, who serves as vice-captain, partners with Jelagat in the engine room.
Edith Nariaka retains her place at scrum-half and links up with Muritu in the halves, while the back three consists of Wafula, Freshia Awino on the right wing, and Sinaida Nyachio at fullback.
Mitchell Akinyi and Angel Charity Juma have been added to the bench as utility options, replacing Jelagat and Diana Awino, respectively.
South Africa remains the undisputed powerhouse of rugby in Africa. The reigning champions have won every Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title since the competition began in 2019, and their opening-day performance against Uganda showed no signs of slowing down.
The Springboks ran in ten tries, with braces from Lerato Makua, Faith Tshauke, and Patience Mokone. Their arsenal also featured touchdowns from Sumakele Namba, Byhandre Dolf, Aphiwe Ngwevu, and Sinothile Bhengu.
That performance highlighted the depth and firepower Kenya must contend with.
The head-to-head history heavily favours South Africa, with Kenya yet to register a win. The closest contest came in 2021 when the Lionesses lost narrowly, 29-22.
Head Head-to-Head:
17/08/2019: SA won 39-0 (Brakpan)
12/08/2021: SA won 66-0 (Stellenbosch)
16/08/2021: SA won 29-22 (Stellenbosch)
24/05/2023: SA won 48-0 (Antananarivo)
16/09/2023: SA won 77-12 (Cape Town)
08/05/2024: SA won 63-5 (Antananarivo)
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