Kenya’s Lionesses Coach Names Squad to Face South Africa

Dennis Mwanja, head coach of Kenya’s women’s national rugby union team, popularly known as the Lionesses, has picked a squad to face South Africa in a Rugby Friendly match on Saturday, September 16.

Faith Livoi and Diana Omosso, who will play second row and fullback, respectively, are the squad’s two debutants.

Rose Otieno, Knight Otwoma and Natasha Email make up the Lionesses’ front row, with captain Enid Ouma started at blindside in a back row that features Diana Kemunto at openside flank with Phoebe Akinyi slotting in at number eight.

Lionesses sevens captain Judith Okumu starts a scrum half, forming a half-back partnership with her Ann Goretti as Grace Okulu and Prisca Nyerere link up in midfield with Stella Wafula, Sharon Auma and Omosso completing the back three.

Front row Naomi Muhanji is in line for her debut after being named on the bench, which also consists of the experienced front row duo of Evelyn Kalemera and Mercy Migongo.

Hesla Khisa, Michelle Akinyi, Winnie Awino, Naomi Amuguni and Esther Juma complete the Lionesses bench.

This is the second time the Lionesses and Springbok Women have met this year, with the South Africans winning 48-0 in Madagascar during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.

Both teams are utilizing this test to prepare for the WXV2 and WXV3 championships in Cape Town and Dubai, respectively, next month.

The match will begin at 1730hrs East Africa Time on Saturday at the UWC Rugby Club in Cape Town, South Africa.

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