- The Kenya Lionesses will face South Africa in their second match of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup on Wednesday, June 11, at Stade Makis, kicking off at 1:00 PM.
- Simon Odongo’s charges head into the clash on a high after a commanding 28–5 victory over hosts Madagascar in their opening fixture last Saturday.
- They will take on the formidable Springbok Women, who also began their campaign in emphatic fashion by dismantling newly promoted Uganda 62–7.
The national rugby women’s 15s side, the Kenya Lionesses, will be aiming to extend their impressive form in the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup as they face defending champions South Africa on Wednesday afternoon.
The encounter, set to kick off at 1:00 PM EAT at Stade Makis, will see Simon Odongo’s charges enter the match riding high on confidence after a commanding 28-5 victory over hosts Madagascar in their opening fixture last Saturday.
With that commanding performance, the Lionesses will be looking to secure a second consecutive win against the formidable Springbok Women, who also opened their campaign in emphatic fashion by dismantling newly promoted Uganda 62-7.
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This match presents the Lionesses with a golden opportunity to redeem themselves and avenge the heavy 63-5 defeat they suffered at the hands of South Africa in the previous edition.
It also forms part of their determined pursuit of qualification for the Women’s Rugby World Cup – an objective they narrowly missed last time out.
In pursuit of this win, Odongo and his technical bench have made strategic adjustments to the squad.
Naomi Jelagat will start in the lock position, replacing Phoebe Akinyi, who sustained a concussion during the clash with Madagascar.
Notably, Akinyi had opened the scoring for Kenya in that game. Aside from this change, the starting forward pack remains intact.
Meanwhile, the coaching staff has implemented two positional changes in the backline.
Dynamic playmaker Grace Okulu, who contributed eight points in the opener, shifts to outside center, while Moreen Muritu takes over the flyhalf duties.
Faith Livoi will operate as the inside center, with the experienced Stella Wafula moving to the blindside wing.
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Speaking ahead of the clash, Odongo emphasized that the reshuffling also aims to provide opportunities for all players to demonstrate their abilities at the international level.
Mitchell Akinyi joins as the utility forward in place of Jelagat who starts and Angel Charity Juma also replaces Diana Awino as the utility back.
Our aim is to ensure that at least each traveling member gets some game time because they worked hard to be part of this squad,” said Odongo.
Following this crucial fixture, the Lionesses will conclude their pool matches against regional rivals Uganda on June 15.
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Kenya Lionesses starting lineup vs South Africa
1 Natasha Emali 2. Naomi Muhanji 3. Jane Chanya 4. Maureen Chebet (VC) 5. Naomi Jelagat 6. Enid Ouma (C) 7. Naomi Amuguni 8. Sheila Chajira 9. Edith Nariaka (VC) 10. Moreen Muritu 11. Stella Wafula 12. Faith Livoi 13. Grace Okulu 14. Freshia Awino 15. Sinaida Nyachio
Reserve
16. Knight Otwoma 17. Noleen Khaleyi 18. Sheila Wesa 19. Mitchell Akinyi 20. Doris Kimani 21. Ann Njeri 22. Christabel Lindo 23. Juma Angel Charity
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