The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has unveiled the Lionesses and Cubs squads for the 27th edition of the Safari7s tournament, set for 10–12 October 2025 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Acting Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo announced the two teams on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, confirming a blend of experience and new talent that he hopes will perform strongly on home soil. The Lionesses represent the senior national women’s side, while the Cubs serve as the development team.

Odongo said the selection aims to build squad depth and ensure a proper balance between seasoned players and upcoming stars.

“Our aim is to create a strong balance within the playing group. The Lionesses bring invaluable experience, while the Cubs represent the next generation of talent. We believe both teams will compete fiercely and proudly represent Kenya on home soil,” he said.

Lionesses squad

The Lionesses squad will be captained by Sheila Chajira, with Freshia Awino serving as vice-captain. The team includes top internationals such as Janet Okello and Naomi Amuguni, alongside debutants Charity Nillah, Faith Achieng, and Marvel Laura Oswago.

The full Lionesses squad: Naomi Amuguni, Charity Nillah (debut ), Moreen Muritu, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira (Captain), Sinaida Nyachio, Edith Naliaka, Faith Achieng, Marvel Laura Oswago (debut), Faith Livoi, Janet Okello, and Freshia Awino (Vice-Captain).

Odongo expressed confidence in the team’s preparation ahead of the tournament. Speaking on Tuesday, he said the Lionesses have shown good progress in training and are ready to challenge for the title.

“The team has assembled well; we called up 37 players and have trimmed the squad to 24 for the two sides. We have 12 rookies, nine with the Cubs and three with the Lionesses, to give everyone a fair chance,” he said.

Odongo added that the Safari7s and the Africa Cup will be used to strengthen squad depth.

“We aim to use Safari 7s and the Africa Cup to build the depth for the events that we attended previously. We are trying to raise a team of 22 players… We aim to try and win the trophy despite missing out on key figures,” he said.

Cubs squad

The Cubs, the Lionesses’ development side, will be captained by Ann Njeri, assisted by Maxine Abuga and Maureen Chebet, who serve as vice-captains. The squad features nine players making their Safari7s debut, showing KRU’s effort to nurture new talent for the national setup.

Cubs squad: Nelly Chikombe, Ann Akinyi, Gloria Matasio, Maureen Chebet (Vice-Captain), Diana Mideva, Maxine Abuga (Vice-Captain), Ann Njeri (Captain), Ann Namunyak, Angel Salamba, Refa Ochando, Merisha Negesia, and Tracy Msungu.

KRU said the inclusion of many debutants underlines its long-term goal of developing young players through structured exposure.

Ticketing and tournament details

Meanwhile, the KRU released the ticketing information for this year’s Safari7s. Entry on the opening day, Friday, will cost Ksh300, allowing open seating across the stadium. On Saturday and Sunday, regular early bird tickets will go for Ksh300, advance tickets at Ksh500, and Ksh750 at the gate. Season tickets are priced at Ksh1,000.

For fans seeking a premium experience, VIP tickets will cost Ksh2,000 for early birds, Ksh2,500 in advance, and Ksh3,000 at the gate per day. A VIP season ticket is available at Ksh5,000.

This year’s edition marks the tournament’s return to the Nyayo National Stadium after a three-year break. The last event held there was in 2021, when Shujaa beat Germany in a thrilling final to lift the men’s title.

Men’s squads also announced

Earlier in the day, KRU also unveiled the men’s national teams, Shujaa and Morans, for the same event. Head coach Kevin Wambua named a balanced Shujaa squad featuring stars Vincent Onyala, Patrick Odongo, and Kevin Wekesa, alongside returning player Christian Ojwang.

Kenya Shujaa squad: George Ooro (C), Samuel Asati (C), Kevin Wekesa, Vincent Onyala, Dennis Abukuse, Gabriel Ayimba, Nygel Amaitsa, Christian Ojwang, Patrick Odongo, Jackson Siketi, Floyd Wabwire, Festus Shiasi, William Mwanji.

The Morans have gone for a youthful approach under captain John Okoth, with seven players set to make their Safari7s debut.

Kenya Morans squad: John Okoth (C), Brian Mutua, Elvis Olukusi, Clinton Amukachi, Barnabas Owuor, Eugene Ojiambo, Daniel Kipchirchir, Rayvon Ambale, David Nyangige, Elton Amalemba, Arnold Agonda, Victor Mola, Arnold Muita.

The men’s competition will include teams from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, France, and the UK, among others. The women’s category will feature the Lionesses, Cubs, Belgium, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Shogun, and Costa Blanca Barbarians.