Two debutants make cut as Kenya Lionesses unveil squad for HSBC SVNS 2
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 09.02.26. | 14:00
Coach Odongo has retained a core of experienced players who featured prominently at the Safari 7s and the Africa Women’s 7s
Marvel Laura Oswago and Charity Nilah are in line to earn their first caps after being named in the Kenya Lionesses squad for the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 series set for Saturday, 14 to Sunday, 15 February at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The duo impressed selectors with standout performances at last year’s Safari 7s and now step onto the global stage as part of a strong 12-player side assembled by head coach Simon Odongo.
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The Lionesses begin a three-leg campaign aiming to secure promotion to the elite Division 1 series next season.
Kenya Harlequin Women head coach Sheila Chajira will captain the squad, with pacey winger Freshia Odour serving as co-captain.
Odongo has retained a core of experienced players who featured prominently at the Safari 7s and the Africa Women’s 7s, including Janet Okello, Naomi Amuguni, Grace Okulu, Stella Wafula, Maureen Muritu, Edith Narika, and Phoebe Akinyi, who are expected to anchor the team’s push for results on home soil.
Kenya faces a demanding round-robin schedule against Brazil, China, Argentina, Spain, and continental rivals South Africa, who denied the Lionesses the Africa Women’s Cup title on home soil last year.
The Lionesses open their campaign on Saturday morning against Brazil at 9:44 am, before taking on China at 12:46 pm and South Africa at 3:48 pm.
Action continues on Sunday with a clash against Argentina at 11:44 am, followed by their final home fixture against Spain at 3:56 pm.
After the Nairobi leg, the series shifts to Montevideo, Uruguay, before concluding in São Paulo, Brazil.
At the end of the three legs, the top four teams will secure promotion to Division 1 and book a place in the winner-takes-all World Championships Series.