The Women's National 15's rugby team, Lionesses, set off today early this morning for South Africa. The team will be participating in a two-test series against the Women Boks (South Africa) at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport on 12th to 16th August. With regards to preparation, the ladies have been having weekly residential camps in July as well as two-midweek training sessions at the RFUEA Grounds.
The ladies will be engaging in a competitive test match since the Africa Cup games that saw them lose out to Madagascar. Team skipper, Joy Kendagor noted that there has been massive improvement within the setup ever since the heartbreaking loss. "The team is fitter and we have more rugby knowledge. A program is compiled for us, so we know what to prepare for ahead of training and every session is done with intention. There is a reason behind everything we do," she said.
Kendagor explained that the Lionesses needed to gauge their preparedness before meeting Colombia in the Rugby World Cup Repechage qualifier on August 25 in Nairobi. "Women Boks are currently the best women's 15s rugby team in Africa and we need to play the best to improve ourselves. There is no better way to prepare for the Colombia game than playing them so that we know exactly what we need to do to produce results," she concluded.
The Lionesses will however miss the services to Emmaculate Awuor and Janet Kerubo as the two sustained injuries during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup. Kenya sevens veteran Captain and KCB RFC forward Philadelphia Olando will be among the eight new players included to represent the national team in the scheduled test rugby game.
Lionesses Squad to South Africa:
Mercy Migongo (Homeboyz RFC), Priscah Nyerere(Impala Saracens), Stacy Atieno(Mwamba RFC), Ann Gorety(Impala Saracens), Linet Moraa(Homeboyz RFC), Sophia Ayieta(Homeboyz RFC), Philadelphia Orlando(Northern Suburbs), Sheila Chajira(Homeboyz RFC), Diana Kemunto(Impala Saracens), Laurine Akoth(Top Fry Nakuru), Peruce Muyuka(Northern Suburbs), Bernadette Olesia(Northern Suburbs), Cynthia Camilla(Homeboyz RFC), Leah Wambui(Homeboyz RFC), Judith Auma(Impala Saracens), Faith Marindany(Northern Suburbs), Evelyne Kalemera(Mwamba RFC), Everlyne Akinyi(Mwamba RFC), Joy Kendagor(Northern Suburbs), Naomi Amuguni(Mwamba RFC), Winnie Owino(Impala Saracens), Knight Otwoma(Impala Saracens), Grace Adhiambo(Top Fry Nakuru), Janet Okello(Mwamba RFC), Rose Otieno(Northern Suburbs), Dorcas Mokaya(Homeboyz RFC), Mitchelle Akinyi(Impala Saracens), Christabel Lindo), Juliet Nyambura(Northern Suburbs), Ann Njeri(Impala Saracens).