Kenya Lionesses 15s Head Coach Simon Odongo and his management team have made several changes to the squad ahead of Wednsday’s match against South Africa at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar, scheduled for 1:00 PM EAT.
Naomi Jelagat will start in the lock position, replacing Phoebe Akinyi, who sustained a concussion during Saturday’s match against Madagascar. Aside from this change, the starting forwards remain unchanged.
In the backline, two positional shifts have been made. The dynamic Grace Okulu moves to outside center, while Moreen Muritu takes the flyhalf position. Faith Livoi will start at inside center, with the experienced Stella Wafula moving to the blindside wing.
“Mitchell Akinyi joins the squad as a utility forward, taking the place of Jelagat, while Angel Charity Juma replaces Diana Awino as the utility back. Our goal is to ensure that each traveling squad member gets some game time because they’ve all worked hard to be part of this team,” said Coach Simon.
The Lionesses secured their first win in the tournament by defeating Madagascar 28-5. They currently sit second in the standings with a +23 point difference, in the round-robin format competition.
Starting Lineup
- Natasha Emali 2. Naomi Muhanji 3. Jane Chanya 4. Maureen Chebet (VC) 5. Naomi Jelagat 6. Enid Ouma (C) 7. Naomi Amuguni 8. Sheila Chajira 9. Edith Nariaka (VC) 10. Moreen Muritu 11. Stella Wafula 12. Faith Livoi 13. Grace Okulu 14. Freshia Awino 15. Sinaida Nyachio
Reserves
- Knight Otwoma 17. Noleen Khaleyi 18. Sheila Wesa 19. Mitchell Akinyi 20. Doris Kimani 21. Ann Njeri 22. Christabel Lindo 23. Juma Angel Charity
ALSO READ: Kenya 7s drawn in Pool A for the 2025 Africa Men’s 7s cup
