Dennis Mwanja has proven to be a game-changer for Kenya Lionesses, guiding the national women’s rugby team to a dominant run in the 2025 World Rugby Challenger Series. With back-to-back victories in Cape Town, South Africa, the Lionesses have exceeded expectations and positioned themselves as serious contenders for the HSBC SVNS Series qualification.
Under Mwanja’s leadership, the Lionesses won all their matches, stunning top teams like Argentina, South Africa, Samoa, and Belgium. Their triumphs have not only put Kenya on the global rugby map but also highlighted Mwanja’s tactical brilliance.
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Kenya Lionesses Dominate Challenger Series
The Lionesses kicked off their Challenger Series campaign in spectacular fashion, delivering emphatic victories. In the first leg of the tournament, they outclassed Argentina 17-12 in the final before humbling hosts South Africa 17-0 in the second leg’s title match.
Other teams that fell victim to Kenya’s dominant play include Samoa, Poland, Uganda, Belgium, and Colombia. In Pool D, they crushed Samoa 20-05 before dismantling Poland 29-07, a result that guaranteed them a spot in the semifinals. They then edged South Africa 19-15 to book a place in the finals.
Similarly, in the second leg, Kenya eased past Belgium 17-05 before edging out Uganda 10-05. They completed another thrilling comeback in the semifinals, defeating Colombia 12-05 to set up yet another final showdown against South Africa. Once again, Mwanja’s tactical masterclass ensured a comfortable victory for the Lionesses.
Dennis Mwanja’s Tactical Brilliance
Ahead of the Challenger Series, Mwanja had vowed to make a statement by defeating South Africa on their home turf. “We look forward to the Challenger. It is an open secret South Africa will be given a double leg. And it would be awesome to capture them, arrest them at home, in their backyard, in front of their children and parents,” he boldly stated.
True to his word, the Lionesses delivered, overcoming South Africa twice in the finals, silencing the home crowd in Cape Town.
Mwanja’s coaching philosophy revolves around speed, tactical discipline, and defensive solidity. His ability to inspire his players and implement a structured game plan has played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Kenya Lionesses Lead Challenger Series Standings
With 40 points, Kenya now sits at the top of the Challenger Series standings, six points ahead of second-placed South Africa. This dominant performance means the Lionesses are strong contenders for a place in the prestigious HSBC SVNS Series, the highest level of international sevens rugby.
Mwanja’s influence has not only transformed the Lionesses into a formidable force but has also reinvigorated interest in women’s rugby in Kenya. His ability to nurture talent and instill a winning mentality has set a new standard for the team.
Who Is Dennis Mwanja?
Dennis Mwanja is a former Kenya rugby international turned coach. Born on March 19, 1988, he made a name for himself playing for KCB RFC and the Kenya Sevens team (Shujaa).
During his playing days, Mwanja was a dominant force on the field, best remembered for his hat-trick of tries against England at the San Diego 7s in 2007. In total, he scored 57 tries in World Rugby Sevens tournaments, cementing his status as one of Kenya’s finest players.
Apart from coaching the Lionesses, Mwanja has also worked as an assistant coach at KCB RFC and head coach of Thika Millars RFC. His coaching career has been defined by his commitment to developing young talent and promoting women’s rugby in Kenya.
Mwanja’s Achievements as a Coach
Mwanja’s influence extends beyond the Challenger Series. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Guiding Kenya to the 2023 World Rugby Third Tier XV Championship, securing a dominant 52-03 win over Cameroon in the qualifiers.
- Nominated for Coach of the Year at the 2022 SOYA Awards, alongside top Kenyan sports coaches like Japheth Munala and Gibson Weru.
- Spearheading efforts to grow women’s rugby in Kenya, ensuring that the Lionesses gain international recognition.
With their eyes firmly set on the HSBC SVNS Series, Kenya Lionesses must maintain their momentum in upcoming tournaments. Mwanja’s next challenge will be to fine-tune his squad ahead of the final phase of the Challenger Series, where they will compete for a spot in the elite World Sevens Circuit.
Kenya’s rugby future looks brighter than ever, and with Dennis Mwanja at the helm, the Lionesses are well-positioned to become a dominant force on the global stage. The team’s resilience, tactical discipline, and fearless approach make them a side to watch in world rugby.
