Kenya Lionesses will have two crucial build-up matches in South Africa as they prepare for the inaugural World Rugby WXV3 competition scheduled from October 13 to 28, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

On Saturday, September 16, the team will face off against South Africa, followed by a clash with the San Clemente Rhinos a week later.

New Kenya Lionesses players

Faith Livoi, Jiveti Daisy Osore, Esther Juma, Diana Omoso, and Naomi Muhanji are all set to make their debuts.

Head Coach Dennis Mwanja expressed his enthusiasm for these fixtures. He has confirmed that he will miss the services of 7s players.

“We are at a very exciting time in Kenya Lionesses history. This invitation to play the friendlies has come about as a result of the journey we have been through in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, from topping Pool B in Uganda to ending up overall runners-up in Madagascar, a feat that earned us qualification to the newly introduced World Rugby WXV3. These two matches serve as a build-up to the tournament in Dubai.”

“We will have the team minus the sevens players who are preparing for the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens, which takes place on the same weekend as the WXV3 opener. This is therefore an opportunity for us to focus on our depth and build our capacity and experience as the Lionesses. This tour of South Africa is indeed a shot in the arm,” Mwanja added.

“We are looking at taking one game at a time. This is uncharted territory for the Lionesses, but we are happy to roll with the punches and embrace the experience. We are quietly confident, and we are excited about the upcoming period of activity,” concluded Mwanja.

Enid Ouma will captain the side, which is set to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Kenya Lionesses Squad to South Africa:

Rose Otieno, Knight Otwoma, Natasha Emali, Faith Livoi*, Hesla Khisa, Diana Kemunto, Enid Ouma, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Goretti, Jiveti Daisy Osore*, Priscah Nyerere, Naomi Amuguni, Esther Juma*, Diana Omoso*, Naomi Muhanji*, Evelyne Kalemera, Mercy Migongo, Phoebe Ouma, Judith Okumu, Grace Okulu, Sinaida Mokaya, Stella Wafula, Sharon Auma, Michelle Akinyi

Kenya Lionesses Schedule:

• South Africa v Kenya | Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 16:00 hrs EAT
• San Clemente Rhinos v Kenya | Saturday, September 23, 2023 | 14:00 hrs EAT