Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has outlined his long-term vision for the national women’s rugby sevens team ahead of the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens Championship, set to take place this weekend at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
Odongo, who revealed his final 12-player squad earlier this week, stressed that the tournament is more than just a continental competition. It serves as a critical stepping stone toward the 2026 World Rugby Division II tournament, for which Kenya has already secured qualification. The coach highlighted the importance of building squad depth, enhancing tactical awareness, and instilling a resilient winning mentality capable of thriving in top-tier international competitions.
“The goal is to develop a team with capacity and depth that will see us through the world event and help us qualify for Division I,” Odongo said. He added that the inclusion of internationally-based stars such as France-based Grace Okulu and Japan-based Janet Okello provides a significant confidence boost for the team.
Coming off a strong campaign in the 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, where they recorded impressive wins against high-ranking opponents, the Lionesses are determined to maintain momentum. Odongo plans to rotate players strategically, giving emerging talents exposure to high-pressure matches while ensuring the team remains competitive.
The 14th edition of the Africa Women’s Sevens doubles as the continental qualifier for the World Rugby Division II tournament beginning in February 2026. Odongo emphasized the integration of younger players into the senior setup to ensure seamless succession for future tournaments.
Team captain Sheila Chagira echoed the coach’s optimism, noting that improved team structures and renewed focus have created a positive environment. “We hope to write a different script this time, having only won one edition before,” she said. Chagira believes the psychological gap between Kenya and perennial rivals South Africa’s Lady Blitzboks has narrowed following three victories over them during the Challenger Series, making the Lionesses confident in their ability to challenge Africa’s best.
Kenya has been drawn in Pool ‘B’ alongside Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Meanwhile, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius headline Pool ‘A’, with Uganda, Zambia, and Burkina Faso in Pool ‘C’, and Madagascar, Tunisia, and Egypt in Pool ‘D’. The Lionesses are aiming to leverage home advantage and strong squad cohesion to secure their first continental title in several years.
