Kenya’s national women’s rugby sevens team, the Lionesses, are surging with confidence as they set their sights on advancing to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. After securing a silver medal at the recent Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens tournament in Accra, Ghana, Dennis Mwanja’s squad has earned a spot at the HSBC Challenger Series, bringing them one step closer to fulfilling their ambition of competing on the global stage.
Near Victory in Accra
The Lionesses delivered a stellar performance throughout the Africa Women’s Sevens, an event held from November 9-10. They narrowly missed the title in a hard-fought final against South Africa, ultimately falling 19-12. This result was a repeat of last year’s encounter, where South Africa narrowly edged out Kenya 12-7, denying them a direct Olympic qualification. Despite the setback, Kenya’s Lionesses showcased immense skill and resilience, positioning them well for the HSBC Challenger Series.
Reflecting on the tournament, head coach Dennis Mwanja praised his team’s perseverance and growth, emphasizing their determination to secure promotion this time around. “The girls played their hearts out in Accra, demonstrating the kind of grit that will carry them far in the Challenger Series. Our experience here is invaluable as we prepare for the next stage,” Mwanja remarked.
Road to the Final
The Lionesses were dominant through the tournament’s initial stages, beginning with a stunning 61-0 victory over Mauritius. They followed this up with a tightly contested 10-5 win against the hosts, Ghana, showcasing their resilience. In their final pool match, the Lionesses secured a 27-22 victory over Madagascar, concluding the group stage with an unbeaten record.
Their momentum continued into the knockout rounds, where they overpowered Ghana once again with an impressive 48-0 shutout in the quarterfinals. The semifinal match against Uganda, one of their most formidable rivals, saw Kenya secure a decisive 19-0 win, earning them a well-deserved place in the final. However, despite a valiant effort, they ultimately fell to South Africa in the title match.
Redemption and Focus for the Challenger Series
For Kenya’s Lionesses, the Challenger Series represents a chance for redemption after narrowly missing out on HSBC qualification earlier this year. With this recent tournament experience and an impressive display of skill, the team is entering the Challenger Series with renewed focus and determination. Captain Sheila Chajira expressed the team’s mindset as they prepare for the next phase, saying, “This time, our heads are in a different place. We’re looking forward to reaching the finals and qualifying for the HSBC.”
Reflecting on Uganda’s role as a challenging rival, Chajira added, “Uganda are always our best opponent because we are just neighbors, and we’re always looking forward to playing against them. It’s not an easy game, and you always have to fight for what you get.” Uganda’s strong competition has fueled the Lionesses’ drive, highlighting the team’s mental strength and preparedness for the grueling path ahead.
Lessons from the Past
For many in the Lionesses’ squad, this journey is personal. The team’s failure to advance in the last HSBC Series qualifiers has been a source of motivation, driving them to train harder and refocus their strategy. Head coach Mwanja has introduced new drills and intensified training sessions, aiming to strengthen both the physical and mental aspects of the team. “The players have responded with commitment and energy,” Mwanja noted, “Our preparation has been intense, and we’re in a better position to tackle this challenge head-on.”
The Challenger Series presents not only an opportunity for promotion but also a chance to compete with some of the world’s most competitive women’s sevens teams. This exposure is crucial for the Lionesses, as it will allow them to build on their experiences and develop further in the competitive international arena.
Rising Support and Growing Ambitions
The Kenyan rugby community has rallied behind the Lionesses, with fans and officials expressing optimism about the team’s potential to secure promotion. This support has been instrumental in motivating the squad, and they are determined to repay it by achieving a historic qualification. As the Lionesses gear up for the Challenger Series, they are carrying the hopes of a nation with them.
In recent years, women’s rugby in Kenya has gained increased visibility and support. The Lionesses’ progress and determination have inspired a new generation of players, with schools and local clubs now nurturing young talent. Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) officials are optimistic that a successful Challenger Series could further bolster the sport’s growth, enhancing Kenya’s standing on the international rugby stage.
Road Ahead and Future Prospects
The path to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will not be easy, as the Lionesses will face strong international teams in the Challenger Series. However, with their recent performances and unwavering determination, they stand a good chance of making history. The team’s approach, focusing on one game at a time, has been effective, and they aim to carry this discipline forward.
Beyond the Challenger Series, the Lionesses are eyeing future competitions, including the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup qualifiers. Their growing confidence, coupled with the recent competitive experience, places them as one of Africa’s top contenders for these prestigious tournaments.
Final Words from Captain Chajira
Captain Sheila Chajira summed up the team’s sentiment as they head into the Challenger Series, “We’ve come so far, and we know what’s at stake. Our goal is clear, and we’re ready to fight for it. We’re not just playing for ourselves; we’re representing Kenya, and we’re determined to make our country proud.”
With their eyes set firmly on the prize, the Lionesses are preparing for an intense and challenging journey. Their recent achievements have shown that they have both the talent and the mental strength to compete at the highest level. As the countdown to the Challenger Series begins, Kenya’s Lionesses remain focused, determined, and hopeful that this year will mark a new chapter in their storied journey.
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