- The Kenya Lionesses are set to face hosts Madagascar in their opening match of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup (RAWC 2025).
- The match will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Stade Makis, kicking off at 3:00 PM EAT.
- The Lionesses enter the game with a point to prove, having suffered a narrow 29-22 defeat to Madagascar in last year’s opening round.
The national women’s 15s side, the Kenya Lionesses, will be in action on Saturday, June 7, as they kick off their 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign against hosts Madagascar at the Stade Makis (3:00 PM EAT).
Under Dennis Mwanja, the Lionesses are eager to launch their tournament with a resounding performance as they pursue a direct qualification ticket to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The Lionesses enter the match with a point to prove, having suffered a narrow 29-22 defeat to Madagascar in last year’s opening round.
However, the Lionesses avenged that defeat with a commanding 63-19 victory in a test match held at the RFUEA Grounds last year, and they will be hoping to carry that momentum forward.
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In their quest for glory and redemption, Coach Mwanja has unveiled a strong 23-woman squad to face the home side.
Captain Enid Ouma will lead the team onto the field, supported by a mix of experienced campaigners and dynamic young talent.
The front row features Natasha Emali at loosehead prop, Naomi Muhanji as the starting hooker, and Jane Chanya from Mwamba RFC anchoring the scrum at tighthead prop.
In the second row, Phoebe Akinyi and Assistant Captain Maureen Chebet will take charge, while the back row will be manned by Naomi Amuguni, Captain Enid Ouma, and the experienced Sheila Chajira, MVP of the Prinsloo 7s.
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The half-back duo of Edith Nariaka and Grace Adhiambo will orchestrate play between the forwards and the backs, providing cohesion and control.
The backline is a potent blend of pace and precision. Faith Livoi and Freshia Owino will operate on the blindside and openside wings respectively, while Stella Wafula, Moreen Muritu, and Mwamba RFC’s Sinaida Nyachio complete a formidable back three.
On the bench, Coach Simon Odongo has named Knight Otwoma, Noleen Khaleyi, Sheila Wesa, Naomi Jelagat, Doris Kimani, Ann Njeri, Christabel Lindo, and Diana Awino as his impact players, ready to step in and provide fresh energy throughout the match.
Speaking after the team announcement, Assistant Head Coach Simon Odongo expressed confidence in the squad:
Every player has been sharp in training. But the 23 we’ve selected have looked sharpest this week and ready to take on Madagascar. We are treating every game as a final and as always you go with the sharpest in camp.
Doris Kimani has really stood out in training and earns her debut as she brings a lot of hunger and energy in the squad and has a lot of positive. Noleen and Njeri have been in the squad before but offer a different attacking threat once they come in as we always want to take the game to another level every time. They also cover most positions on the field hence they are good cover options to have for any coach.”
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After the Madagascar fixture, the Lionesses will prepare for a high-stakes encounter against defending champions South Africa on June 11, before concluding their campaign against regional rivals Uganda on June 15. Both remaining matches are scheduled for 1:00 PM EAT.
Kenya Lionesses squad vs Madagascar – RAWC 2025
- Natasha Emali
- Naomi Muhanji
- Jane Chanya
- Phoebe Akinyi
- Maureen Chebet (VC)
- Naomi Amuguni
- Enid Ouma (C)
- Sheila Chajira
- Edith Nariaka (VC)
- Grace Okulu
- Stella Wafula
- Moreen Muritu
- Faith Livoi
- Freshia Owino
- Sinaida Nyachio
Replacements
- Knight Otwoma
- Noleen Khaleyi
- Sheila Wesa
- Naomi Jelagat
- Doris Kimani
- Ann Njeri
- Christabel Lindo
- Diana Awino
