Disapointed Kenya Lionesses head coach to shake up squad ahead of Poland challenger

Kenya Lionesses boss Dennis Mwanja was unhappy with his team's display in Uruguay.

RUGBY Disapointed Kenya Lionesses head coach to shake up squad ahead of Poland challenger

Mark Kinyanjui 13:33 - 16.03.2024

Mwanja was far from pleased with two of his players during the Uruguay challenger, while the other two key players will not be released by their clubs ahead of the May tournament.

Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja is set to implement four changes for the upcoming third Challenger Sevens Series in Poland in May, following a disappointing performance at the Montevideo leg where they secured only six points.

Expressing his disappointment,  the former Kenya Sevens captain emphasized the importance of these changes in their pursuit of a top-four finish, as they currently stand fifth in the standings with 24 points. 

With China leading the standings at 40 points, followed by Argentina (34), Uganda (28), and Belgium (28), Mwanja believes adjustments to the squad are necessary for improved results.

"We are looking at four changes to the squad. We will be without the Japan-based duo of Janet Okello and Grace Adhiambo who will not be released by their clubs,” Mwanja said as quoted on The Star. 

“The other two did not play to my expectations in South America," stated Mwanja, who also serves as the assistant coach for KCB.

Anticipating rigorous training sessions in the coming weeks, Mwanja highlighted the need to address various weaknesses observed during the Montevideo leg, including defensive lapses, set-piece struggles, and a casual approach to matches.

"From a physical and tactical standpoint, we have to go back to the drawing board and address the frailties we saw in Uruguay. We must be sharp mentally and physically for the final leg in Poland in May," Mwanja added.

Reflecting on their performance in Montevideo, where they lost to Hong Kong China (12-0), defeated Papua New Guinea (29-12), and lost to Belgium (21-10), Mwanja acknowledged the need for improvement.

 Despite qualifying for the quarterfinals as the best losers, they suffered losses to China (24-7) and Hong Kong China (27-22) in subsequent matches.

Looking ahead, Mwanja aims for a strong showing in Poland to increase their chances of participating in the fourth and final leg in Madrid in June. 

The Lionesses previously lost to China (17-7) in the final of the opening leg in Dubai in January.

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