Lionesses ready for Cape Town Challenger battle, says Okulu

Captain Grace Okulu now says the Kenya Lionesses are locked, loaded, and ready to unleash their fury at the first leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Cape Town, South Africa.

Okulu has underlined the squad’s credentials going into the tournament, noting tht they have what it takes to make a statement in Pool D against Poland and Samoa - two familiar foes.

“We’ve faced both teams before. Poland gave us a tough challenge in Krakow, but we’ve put in the work to sharpen our game and tighten any loose ends,” Okulu assured ahead of the highly anticipated clashes.

Head coach Dennis Mwanja knows what is at stake and is backing his squad to rise to the occasion.

“This format is brutal - you have to finish in position one or two, or you’re out. But our girls have been relentless in training. This team is talented, resilient, and ready for the fight,” declared Mwanja.

The battle lines are drawn and the competition is expected to be fierce, with 12 teams divided into four pools:

Pool B: Thailand, Mexico, Argentina

Pool C: Uganda, Belgium, Colombia

Pool D: Kenya, Poland, Samoa

Only the pool winners will advance to the semifinals, while second-placed teams will fight for positions fifth to eighth. Those finishing last will battle for nineth to 12th place.

Cape Town Challenger Series

Leg 1: March 1st – 2nd, 2025

Leg 2: March 7th – 8th, 2025

The top eight women's teams from Cape Town will move on to Krakow, Poland, in April, with the ultimate prize being a ticket to the HSBC Sevens Playoff in Los Angeles, on 3–4 May 2025.—where promotion to the elite World Sevens Series awaits!

Naomi Amuguni

Christabel Lindo

Sheila Chajira

Stellah Wafula

Faith Livoi

Moreen Muritu

Sinaida Mokaya

Freshia Oduor

Judith Okumu

Grace Okulu (Captain)

Sharon Auma

Diana Ochieng

Kenya’s Fixtures

 Saturday, March 1st, 2025

 Kenya vs. Samoa