Boost for Kenya Lionesses as foreign-based duo return ahead of Repechage
The Kenya 7s women’s side has included the Japan-based duo of Janet Okello and Grace Okulo in the squad that will take part in the Olympic Repechage slated for June 21-23, 2024 in Monaco.
The duo who ply their trade for Japanese club MIE Pearls are a welcome addition to the Dennis Mwanja-coached side after they missed out on the last leg of the Challenger Series in Krakow, Poland due to club commitments.
The duo was part of the Lioness squad that travelled to Montevideo, Uruguay for the second leg of the HSBC Challenger Series before resuming their club duties in Japan.
Terry Ayesa and Phoebe Akinyi who were also part of the side that travelled to Poland will miss out on the squad while rookies Edith Nariaka and Freshia Oduor retain their places ahead of the Monaco assignment. Akinyi sits out of the crucial Olympic qualifier tournament with an injury.
The Lionesses are looking to make their third appearance at the Olympics, having featured in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and five years later in Tokyo, Japan.
The team is set to leave the country for Monaco on June 17, 2024, for the three-day action at the Stade Louis II Stadium in a high-stakes tournament where the overall winner will secure a highly coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Kenya is seeded first in Group A alongside Argentina, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa while Group B will be made up of Hong Kong China, Jamaica, Paraguay, and Uganda. Group C will see China battle out with Czechia, Mexico, and Poland.
Lionesses Squad
Lionesses squad to Monaco: Sheila Chajira, Naomi Amuguni, Stella Wafula, Maureen Muritu, Christabel Lindo, Edith Nariaka, Grace Okulu, Sinaida Mokaya, Freshia Oduor, Sharon Auma, Janet Okello, Judith Okumu
Lionesses Schedule
Friday 21 June
Kenya v Papua New Guinea | 5.20 pm
Saturday 22 June
Kenya v Samoa | 2.20 pm
Kenya v Argentina | 7.44 pm
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