The Kenya Rugby National 7s Lionesses and Shujaa squads that will be heading to the HSBC SVNS playoffs in Los Angeles on the 3rd and 4th of May have been revealed.
The Kenya Lionesses, who are the 2025 HSBC Challenger Series champions, have been in camp at the Sadili Oval this past week preparing for the task ahead. The Ladies are in Pool A alongside Brazil, Spain and Colombia.
The team sees two changes from the one that did duty in Poland with the inclusion two Mwamba stars Edith Nariaka who will be making her first appearance this season, and Faith Livoi who returns after missing out on the Poland tour, with Naomi Amuguni not making the tour 13.
Speaking on the team’s selection and preparation this past week, coach Denis Mwanja said, “Camp was great and we got ample time to polish up on our details of the game. The selection of the final traveling 13 players was tough and tricky as all players brought their A-game throughout the camp. We are happy for Edith who has been impressive in training all season, we look forward to her performance in LA.”
“All pools are tricky but we will navigate ours cautiously, the teams can be plucky as everyone is chasing core status but we find comfort in our systems that have worked, the momentum we have, that has built the hunger to win. We can’t be counted out of the party.” concluded Mwanja.
On his part, Kevin Wambua has stuck to the same 13 that did duty in Hong Kong and Singapore in March and earlier in the month. His charges will be out to battle against Samoa, Portugal and hosts USA in Pool A of the men’s HSBC SVNS playoff in LA. As the Lionesses were at Sadili, Shujaa were at the Nakuru Athletic Club for a similar camp in preparation of their trip.
Speaking on the team’s preparations, Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua said, “The camp has been good and the sessions were great, we focused on polishing our set piece and attack frameworks and also re enforced our defense. The mood within the camp has been good and the boys are ready.”
On selection Wambua noted, “It was indeed a headache but a good headache because of the quality we have within the set up. John Okoth and Chrisant Ojwang who are back from injuries pushed hard for their slots but we decided to stick with the same team that played in the Asian tournaments.”
Speaking on the LA pools, “Focus is on our first game which will give us momentum for the rest of the games. We know Samoa are a quality side but we have done our homework on them and know how we will approach that game.” he concluded.
The two teams will depart on the evening of Sunday 27th April, for the HSBC SVNS LA7s play offs tournament.
Kenya Lionesses on duty at the LA7s:
1. Grace Okulu (Nakuru RFC)- Captain 2. Sheila Chajira(Impala Roans)- Co-Captain 3. Judith Okumu(Impala Roans) 4. Stellah Wafula(Impala Roans) 5. Sinaida Nyachio(Mwamba RFC) 6. Freshia Oduor 7. Sharon Auma(Impala Roans) 8. Moreen Muritu 9. Diana Ochieng(Impala Roans) 10. Christabel Lindo(Impala Roans) 11. Edith Nariaka(Mwamba RFC) 12. Phoebe Otieno(Northern Suburbs) 13. Faith Livoi(Mwamba RFC).
The Kenya Shujaa on duty at the LA7s:
1. Kevin Wekesa(Kabras Sugar RFC), 2.Vincent Onyala(KCB RC), 3. George Ooro(Strathmore Leos), 4. Denis Abukuse(Menengai Oilers), 5. William Mwanji(Kabras Sugar RFC), 6. Brian Tanga(Kabras Sugar RFC), 7. Samuel Asati(KCB RC), 8. Antony Omondi(Mwamba RFC), 9. Nygel Amaitsa(Strathmore Leos), 10. Patrick Odongo(Daystar Falcons), 11. Floyd Wabwire(KCB RC), 12. Festus Shiasi(KCB RC), 13. Jone Tavaga(Kabras Sugar RFC)
