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Kenya Lionesses are drawing confidence from their good preparations and ability to spring a surprise as they take on Spain in the World Rugby WXV3 on Saturday
Kenya Lionesses assistant coach Paul Murunga is confident of a positive outcome from their World Rugby WXV3 clash against Spain on Saturday.
The Lionesses take on Spain in Dubai in what will be the first meeting between the two sides but Murunga is counting on his side’s preparations to give them an edge.
“If we are able to execute our set pieces well and play according to our system, then it will work for us,” Murunga said on Friday.
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16:40 - 06.10.2023
RUGBY Why qualifying for the Olympics for the second time will be a game changer for Grace Adhiambo
Team Kenya captain Grace Adhiambo has share what it will mean for the Lionesses to qualify for the Olympic Games for the second time.
“As much as we have not played them previously, we will play our own game to make sure that our defense setup works and our attack and structure as well as set pieces.”
Kenya arrived in Dubai early which they believe has also played a part in settling in well and getting a feel of the weather and pitch which will be crucial in how they handle their opponents.
“It was good to acclimatise early enough. Our preparations have been well, by yesterday (Thursday), the girls had adapted to the weather conditions and the fields are very nice, well-manicured which will enable us to play well,” he added.
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11:32 - 03.10.2023
RUGBY Dennis Mwanja names Kenya Lionesses squad for inaugural WXV3 tournament
Mwanja unveils the 30-woman Lionesses squad, including four new players who were not part of the Rugby Women's Africa Cup campaign in May for the WXV3 Dubai tournament.
“This is an opportunity for us to ensure the players are exposed to another level whereby we are playing teams that are well structured in the world. It is a good initiative from World Rugby to make sure we play and expose our players.”
Experienced forward Knight Otwoma will captain Kenya at The Sevens Stadium, taking up the number eight position, a departure from her usual role as a hooker in the front row, and she is counting on the Lionesses' unpredictability to spring a surprise.
“As Kenya, you don’t know what we bring so that must be scary for other countries and players as well. We never know what we are going to do until we do it,” said Otwoma, who joins a formidable back-row alongside Diana Kemunto and Michelle Akinyi, while Naomi Jelegat and Faith Livoi form a strong second-row partnership
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12:00 - 11.09.2023
RUGBY Kenya Lionesses: Coach Mwanja buzzing after securing build-up matches in South Africa ahead of inaugural World Rugby WXV3
The Kenya Lionesses coach believes the friendly matches in South Africa will give his side the much-needed exposure before heading to the inaugural tournament in Dubai next month
The Lionesses front row is composed of Rose Otieno, Staycy Atieno, and vice-captain Natasha Emali. Lewin Amazimbi will make her test debut on the wing, lining up alongside Priscah Nyerere, while Freshia Awino takes on the fullback position.
Diana Omosso will assume the role of starting scrumhalf, forming a crucial partnership with fly-half Anne Goretti. In the midfield, Laureen Akoth and rookie Charity Juma will combine their talents.
Fiji and Colombia will be the first on the pitch before Ireland and Kazakhstan square it off with Kenya and Spain concluding first-round action later on Saturday.
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