- Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has revealed key squad updates ahead of the Africa Women’s 7s Tournament set for November.
- Winger Grace Okulu and versatile playmaker Phoebe Otieno are expected to make their return to the squad.
- Scrum-half Judith Ouma and winger Yvette Oketch remain sidelined with injuries and are expected to be out until January.
- Stellah Wafula and Diana Awino are unavailable as they honor their club commitments with the Rhino Franchise in the United States.
Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has revealed the key players set to make a comeback, as well as those who will be unavailable for the national team as they prepare for the Africa Women’s 7s 2025 tournament.
Kenya will host the continental showpiece for the second time since 2014 from Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, 16 at the RFUEA Grounds.
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Speaking exclusively to SportPesa ahead of the tournament, Odongo, who is the acting interim coach following the suspension of Dennis Mwanja, stated that the team is set to receive a double boost.
Winger Grace Okulu and the versatile Phoebe Otieno are expected to return.
However, he noted that despite being core members of the squad, they will have to earn their place in the final team, especially considering the strong performances from other players in the just-concluded Safari 7s.
Definitely, Phoebe Otieno is going to be back; we did not need her for the Safari 7s because it was too early for her. Joining her is Grace Okulu. However, it is not a given that they will come straight into the squad.
They will have to fight for a slot like the other 24 ladies from the Lionesses and Cubs who shone in the Safari 7s and see if they can secure a spot in the final squad,” Odongo explained.
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Kenya Lionesses quartet set to miss Africa Women’s 7s Tournament
However, as the duo returns, Odongo also provided an update on four key players who will be sidelined. Scrum-half Judith Ouma and winger Yvette Oketch are still recovering from various injuries, with Odongo stating they will be out until January.
Meanwhile, Stella Wafula and Diana Awino are committed to their club duties with the Rhino Franchise in the United States and will be unavailable for selection.
Judith Ouma and Yvette Oketch are still a bit too early in their recovery to make a comeback. They are still in their rehabilitation phase and have just started running. For that duo, the earliest they can return is January.
Stella Wafula and Diana Awino are still abroad in America and won’t be participating in this tournament,” Odongo stated.
Odongo acknowledged the quality of the missing players but sees this as an opportunity to integrate others and assess how they blend with the established team.
“Yes, we know what they can do, but we have decided to give the other ladies a chance and see how well they fit into the team and how they can jell with the rest of the squad,” he said.
Odongo is yet to name the final squad, but it is expected to be announced in the coming days as the tournament draws closer.
Kenya headlines Pool B alongside Ghana and Ivory Coast and will be seeking their second-ever title, aiming to avenge their losses in the previous two consecutive finals (2023,2024) against record champions South Africa.
Africa Women’s 7s Cup 2025 Pools
- POOL A: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mauritius
- POOL B: Kenya, Ghana, Côte D’Ivoire
- POOL C: Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso
- POOL D: Madagascar, Tunisia, Egypt
