Kenyan Lionesses share personal stories, express excitement at upcoming Africa Women's Rugby 7s

As hosts, the Lionesses are not just aiming to compete; they are determined to leverage the passionate home crowd and their recent winning momentum to finally dethrone continental rivals South Africa and lift the trophy. 

Not just hosting the tournament, the Lionesses are ready to turn a new page and bring the trophy home and preparation has been rigorous, underpinned by a recent, morale-boosting triumph on home soil.

The players are banking on their legendary mental resilience, a trait the coach attributes to their drive to excel and "conquer bigger stages."

The Lionesses are not just chasing a trophy; they are playing for pride and to inspire the next generation of female athletes. Placed in Pool B alongside Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, the team has a clear path to the knockouts, where a potential, highly anticipated clash with South Africa or a strong Uganda side awaits.

Hosting the tournament for the second time (the first since 2014) at the spiritual home of Kenyan rugby, the RFUEA Grounds, provides an invaluable advantage. 

Speaking to Citizen Digital, player Janet Okello spoke of her exploits at the 2016 Olympics, expressing her gratitude at being able to play at such a big stage while also articulating her confidence in the Lionesses' preparedness.

"I strongly believe that the Kenyan Lionesses are the top in Africa. If we were able to beat South Africa twice, back-to-back, it only means that we are the best. If Kenyan fans show up in their numbers, we shall be encouraged to do our best and bring the cup home," she said.

Speaking about Sheila Chajira, the Lionesses captain, Coach Odongo heaped praises on the star player, expressing optimism at her ability to deliver. 

"She's a mentally resilient woman. She's struggles abit with the pace issues, maybe because she's not as fast as the rest of the group, but she will never fail to give you 100% effort," he said.

"This is a defining moment for Kenya. I'm carrying the weight of the nation on my shoulders. I've done it for myself, I've done it for my sisters and I've done it for my country," Sheila stated. 

And on Naomi Amuguni, one of the defensive captions in the team, he simply said, "she defends with her life."

Faith Livoi, yet another star player, narrated a little secret about how she joined the Lionesses, revealing that, while attending her bigger brother's matches, she realised that players would enjoy bread, milk and sausages and that became her motivation to join the world of rugby too. 

"I also wanted bread, tea and sausages," she reveals with a shy chuckle. 

Livoi also reveals that, whenever a big match is up, she must change her hairstyle as her secret ritual to dominating the field. 

"I have to look good while knocking girls down the field!" she asserts. 

Odongo acknowledged having formidable opponents like Cote d'Ivoire, but remained optimistic of the outcome stating they are preparing hard against the team.

"The ladies are very ready to give it their best shot at the Africa Cup. Anytime we are given the chance to represent the country we will always put our best foot forward," an enthusiastic Odongo stated. 

Lionesses scrum flyer, Judith Auma, who will not feature in the tourney as she is nursing an injury, has in the meantime backed her coach saying her teammates are ready for the tournament.

"We can't allow them to beat us at home. The girls are very ready and we are going to be the champions for this tournament," Judith affirmed.

With the tournament returning to Kenyan soil for the second time since 2014, the Lionesses are determined to make a statement in front of their home crowd. The competition will feature 12 teams including hosts Kenya, defending champions South Africa, Uganda, Madagascar, Zambia, Tunisia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Mauritius.

To the Lionesses, the goal is clear: to lift the cup, cement their place as continental champions, and use the performance to propel the team towards their long-term dream of qualifying for both the Olympics and the World Cup.