Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo declares "no excuses" as the team prepares to defend home turf at Nyayo Stadium.

The wait is over. The Kenya Lionesses are ready to roar. With the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series kicking off this weekend at the Nyayo National Stadium, head coach Simon Odongo has issued a rallying cry to his squad: Set the tone early, or go home empty-handed. The Lionesses, who have been agonizingly close to core status in previous seasons, know that this home leg is critical for building the momentum needed to survive the grueling three-leg circuit that heads to South America next.

Home Advantage or Pressure Cooker?

Odongo, a tactician known for his discipline, is not letting the hype of a home crowd distract the team. "We are not here to participate; we are here to dominate," he told reporters after the captain's run. The team has spent the last month in a high-intensity camp, focusing on conditioning and mental fortitude. The ghost of last season—where they faltered at the final hurdle—looms large, but the mood in the camp is one of steely determination.

The squad faces a tricky pool:

• The Opponents: They are drawn in Pool A against heavyweights China and the unpredictable Spain. Both teams play a fast, expansive game that will test Kenya’s defensive structure.
• The Strategy: Odongo is expected to unleash the pace of his wingers, utilizing the altitude of Nairobi to tire out the visitors in the second halves of matches.
• The Stakes: Only the top four teams at the end of the series will qualify for the final promotion playoff in Madrid.

A Nation Watches

Rugby in Kenya is more than a sport; it is a religion. The Lionesses have often played second fiddle to their male counterparts, Shujaa, but recent performances have turned them into fan favorites. A win at Nyayo would not only put them atop the standings but also send a powerful message to the rugby world that Kenyan women's rugby has arrived.

The stands will be packed, the vuvuzelas will be loud, and the pressure will be immense. But as Odongo put it, "Pressure is a privilege." It is time for the Lionesses to hunt.

Kickoff is at 9:00 AM EAT this Saturday. The road to the World Series begins now.