Shujaa, Lionesses squads for Challenger Series assignment released

The Kenya Rugby Union has released squads that will be on duty during the Challenger Series journey in Dubai from January 12-14, 2024.

The Challenger Series is the pathway teams use to qualify for the World Seven Series and will be played in Dubai, Munich, and Madrid in the first part of next year.

Lionesses squad

The Lionesses will be enjoying the services of vintage player Sheila Chajira.

Chajira was part of the Lionesses squad that reached the final of the Safari 7s, in what was her first appearance for the sevens national team since the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021.

Grace Okulu captains the side that seeks to secure qualification to the 2025 HSBC SVNS at the close of this campaign.

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Speaking on the upcoming challenge, Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja was confident of the squad's abilities, noting that they were ready for the tourney.

"As we gear up for Dubai, the combination of youthful energy and seasoned experience within our squad is promising, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming challenge next weekend," he started.

He further explained that his charges would take one day at a time, to enable them to compete effectively in the tournament.

"A thorough analysis of our opponents reveals their worth, but our team is grounded in self-belief and quietly confident in our capabilities. Our focus on staying fresh, being fully prepared, and maintaining a hunger for victory will be the key factors that carry us through the competition,” Mwanja concluded.

Shujaa squad

At the same time, the Kenya Shujaa squad for the challenge has been released.

Mwamba’s Brian Mutugi is set for his second appearance in Shujaa colors after being named in the squad.

Mutugi, who debuted during the Safari 7s, is the only change from the side that secured victory and Paris 2024 Olympic qualification with a 17-12 cup final win over South Africa in the Rugby Africa Men’s 7s last September in Harare, Zimbabwe.

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Commenting on the side’s preparations, head coach Kevin Wambua said, “ Our training sessions leading up to the Christmas break were highly productive, emphasizing skill enhancement and the development of effective attack and defense strategies.

Despite a setback in early December when we were unable to participate in the Dubai event, we utilized internal games to refine our performance based on the valuable insights gained from the Safari 7s evaluation," he said.

Shujaa squad to Dubai

Vincent Onyala (KCB, Co-Captain), Tony Omondi (Mwamba, Co-Captain), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), Samuel Asati (KCB), Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos), Festus Shiasi (KCB), William Mwanji (Kabras Sugar), George Ooro (Strathmore Leos), Patrick Odongo (Daystar Falcons), Brian Mutugi (Mwamba)

MANAGEMENT: Kevin Wambua (Head Coach), Louis Kisia (Assistant Coach), Andrew Amonde (Assistant Coach), Lamech Francis Bogonko (Physio), Steve Sewe (Team Manager)

Lionesses squad to Dubai

Grace Okulu (Captain), Stella Wafula, Maureen Muritu, Phoebe Akinyi, Naomi Amuguni, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Judy Okumu, Sinaida Nyachio, Sharon Auma, Diana Awino, Janet Okello, Diana Kemunto

MANAGEMENT: Dennis Mwanja (Head Coach), Paul Murunga (Assistant Coach), Jeff Onyango (Assistant Coach), Levis Kituyi (Physio), Camyline Oyuayo (Team Manager)

SHUJAA

12 January 2024

Kenya v Mexico | 1314hrs EAT

Kenya v Uganda | 1758hrs EAT

13 January 2024

Kenya v Germany| 1259hrs EAT

LIONESSES

12 January 2024

Kenya v China | 1136hrs EAT

Kenya v Czechia | 1558hrs EAT

13 January 2024

Kenya v Mexico | 1059hrs EAT

Women’s pools:

Pool A: Belgium, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Uganda

Pool B: China, Czechia, Mexico, Kenya

Pool C: Poland, Hong Kong, Paraguay, Argentina

Men's pools:

Pool A: Uruguay, Hong Kong China, Papua New Guinea, Georgia

Pool B: Japan, Tonga, Chile, Portugal

Pool C: Kenya, Germany, Uganda, Mexico