This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
Kenya Lionesses, the national women's rugby team, is gearing up for the Africa qualifiers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scheduled for October 12 and 13 in Jemmal, Tunisia.
Among the players shortlisted by head coach Felix Oloo is Leah Wambui, a prop from Homeboyz, who will make her debut with the team.
Wambui joins a squad of 12 players, including centre/winger Cynthia Camilla and hooker Janet Owino, both from Homeboyz, who have made a return to the team.
Philadelphia Olando from Northern Suburb will retain the captaincy, with Sheila Chajira from Homeboyz as her deputy in the competition that will also serve as the Africa Cup Sevens.
The team has been preparing for the last two months to make a return to the Olympics Games, having been part of the countries that witnessed rugby's comeback at the 2016 Rio Summer Games.
Published on October 4, 2019, the Lionesses will be out to not only defend the title they won last year but also seek a return to the Olympics. They replaced South Africa as Africa's representatives to the 2016 Rio Olympics after the Lady Blitzboke's withdrew.
The team leaves for the qualifier on Tuesday, ready to face Senegal, Ghana, and Botswana in Pool 'A', while Pool 'B' has Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Hosts Tunisia will face Morocco, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
Head coach Felix Oloo expressed confidence in the team, saying, 'This is relatively a strong squad, and I am confident that they will retain the title and make it to Tokyo Olympic Games.' He singled out South Africa and Tunisia as the main threats.
The Lionesses will kick off their campaign against Ghana at 12:50pm on October 12, followed by a match against Botswana at 3:26pm, and then against Senegal at 6pm.
During the team's naming ceremony at the RFUEA grounds, Kenya Rugby Union chief executive officer Sylvia Kamau urged the government to release Sh 32 million meant for the team's preparation and participation at the qualifier.
The squad includes Cynthia Camilla (Homeboyz), Janet Okello (Mwamba), Grace Adhiambo (Nakuru), Celestine Masinde (Mwamba), Diana Awino (Impala Saracens), Leah Wambui (Homeboyz), Janet Owino (Homeboyz), Vivian Akumu (Nakuru), Christabel Lindo (Impala Saracens), Stella Wafula (Impala Saracens), Philadelphia Olando (Captain-Northern Suburb), and Sheila Chajira (Deputy captain- Homeboyz).
