Janet Owino makes a comeback to the Lionesses squad one year after suffering an ankle injury. The injury saw her sit out the 2018 Commonwealth games in Gold Coast, the Africa Women’s 7s held in May in Botswana and the second leg of the 2018 HSBC Women’s Sevens Series, the Dubai7s.
“I’m very happy to be back on National Duty with my team mates. They have been very supportive throughout the last 12 months and this has played a role in my recovery. I am also very grateful for my management team who stood by me throughout my rehab period as well as Lamech Bogonko who played an integral part in it.” Said Janet.
Head Coach Kevin Wambua has brought in Top Fry Nakuru’s Vivian Akumu to the traveling party and she is set to make her debut at the Son Kon Po Stadium on the 4th of April. These are the only two changes made in the Lionesses squad that participated in the 2018 Dubai7s.
Wambua has retained Captain Philadelphia Olando, Sheila Chajira, Cynthia Camilla, Sinaida Aura, Diana Awino, Janet Okello, Grace Adhiambo, Christabel Lindo and Stella Wafula. Christabel, Diana and Stella made their debut in Dubai last year.
Lionesses are in Pool B alongside Papua New Guinea, hosts Hong Kong and next door neighbours, Uganda. “Being pooled with the host nation our fellow neighbors, Uganda and Papua New Guinea means we have to bring our A game from the first game throughout our entire pool games.
It’s a challenge that both the team and I are looking forward to. We also know that if we want to qualify we have to beat all the other 11 teams and that’s what we have to focus on; A game at a time in the process.” Said Wambua.
On the selection of his team, “It’s all about building consistency and a good team which is no easy task. We have a few players who made their debut in Dubai: Christabel Lindo, Diana Awino and Stella Wafula. The team is also very well balanced looking at the experience of players like Chajira, Olando, Aura, Akello and Camila who am sure will be up to the task at hand.”
LIONESSES – Philadelphia Olando- Captain, Sheila Chajira, Sinaida Aura, Janet Okello, Janet Owino, Diana Awino, Cynthia Camilla, Grace Adhiambo, Christabel Lindo, Sophia Ayieta, Stella Wafula, Vivian Akumu
