In the 12th minute of a one-sided clash against China at the São Paulo leg of the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division Two series, Marvel Laura Oswago announced herself on the international stage in style.

Coming off the bench just a minute earlier, she sliced through the defense to score a spectacular first try for the Kenya Lionesses, capping a dominant 46-0 victory.

It was a moment she had long dreamed of, and one that signaled the arrival of a new force in Kenyan women’s rugby.

“It was something I was really yearning for at the beginning of the season. I was over the moon after my first try and it was one of the most exciting moments for me,” Marvel told TV47 Digital.

Yet, as with much of sport, the high was tempered by heartbreak. Despite securing a silver medal in São Paulo, the Lionesses fell short of qualifying for the World Championship, finishing fifth overall across the three-leg series that spanned Nairobi, Montevideo, and São Paulo. Still, for Oswago, the journey is just beginning.

Marvel’s journey through education reflects both resilience and ambition. She attended Jamvi la Wageni Primary School before joining St Ann’s Nyagoge High School.

She later enrolled at Likoni Technical and Vocational College, where she pursued Food and Beverage Service and also undertook computer packages. Currently, she is a student at Rongo University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education Arts.

But how did she get into rugby?

Marvel’s rugby story dates back to 2016, when she was just 11 years old in primary school.

“It began back in 2016 at 11 years of age while still in primary. My friends introduced me to rugby. Actually, nothing was fun about it in the beginning it was so tiresome but players used to be selected to travel the country for tournaments and that’s what drew my attention. I really loved the exposure,” she explained.

That early curiosity would evolve into commitment, sharpened further at Rongo University, one of the few institutions actively supporting sports through scholarships.

“Only a few universities support sports by giving out scholarships, and Rongo being among them, we got support through the Kenya Cup period which exposed our potential and helped me towards game fitness. I also represented Rongo University for KUSA games that shaped me in preparation for the 7s circuit,” she said.

Oswago was instrumental in Rongo’s rise, helping the team reach the semifinals in their debut 2024 Women’s Kenya Cup season and finishing second in the Western Conference with 21 points before falling 29-9 to Northern Suburbs.

She also starred in the Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) campaign, scoring twice against Maseno to secure the Western title and a place at the national championships.

Her performances did not go unnoticed. In 2025, she earned her first call-up to the national team and made her debut at the Safari Sevens an emotional milestone.

“It came unexpectedly but I was excited for it was a dream that came to pass. I was nervous though,” she said.

She wasted no time making an impression, registering a try assist in a competition Kenya edged Uganda 14-10 to lift the title.

But the journey has not been without its challenges, particularly the balancing act between academics and elite sport.

“Balancing between rugby and education it’s so tiresome and the fact that you need to perform academically and deliver on the pitch. But rugby is a smart people’s sport, you know,” she said.

Her solution lies in discipline and structure.

“I achieve my balance by setting priorities and planning my time well. I make sure I complete my important responsibilities like school first, then schedule my training sessions. I also set aside time to rest and spend with family and friends. This approach helps me stay disciplined, avoid stress and perform well both in rugby and in my daily life,” she said.

Behind her steady rise is a support system that has shaped both her game and mindset.

“My biggest influence in my rugby career has been my coaches Gem Dennis at age grade and club level, and Simon Odongo at national team level. They have guided me, improved my skills, and taught me discipline and teamwork. Through their support, I built confidence, improved my performance and I have grown both as a player and person,” she said.

As women’s rugby continues to gain traction in Kenya, Oswago is both a product of that growth and a voice for its future, encouraging young girls who would like to follow her path.

“My advice is to stay disciplined, work hard, believe in yourself and be a go-getter despite the challenges. Women’s rugby in Kenya is growing. Young players should stay committed, keep improving their skills and grab every opportunity they get. There’s a lot of potential for those who are dedicated because the future of women’s rugby in Kenya depends on the next generation,” she offered.

Now, with the disappointment of missing out on the World Championship still fresh, the Kenya Lionesses will shift focus to the next phase of their journey.

The team will be aiming to qualify for future global tournaments by winning the 2026 Rugby Africa Cup, which would allow them to compete in SVNS Division III in 2027, then progress to Division II, finish among the top four to qualify for the World Championships, and ultimately secure a top-eight finish to earn promotion to SVNS I.

With this roadmap in sight, Marvin’s focus has firmly shifted to what lies ahead.

“Going forward, my goal is to keep improving by working more on what I fell short at and play my part in helping the Kenya Lionesses succeed. Missing out on the World Championship was disappointing but it has motivated me to work harder and push myself more.

“As we take the longer route to qualify for SVNS 1, I’m focused on staying disciplined, supporting the team, giving my best in training and matches so that we can achieve our goal of qualifying,” she said.