The Kenya national women's sevens team, the Lionesses, are set to compete for their second continental title this weekend at the Africa Women's 7s Cup, hosted at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi from Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, November 16, 2025. This marks the first time Kenya has hosted the premier continental tournament since 2014, providing a significant home-ground advantage as they seek to end the dominance of perennial champions, South Africa.

The tournament carries significant weight for the region's teams. While the Lionesses have already secured a spot in the 2026 World Rugby Division II tournament following their triumphant 2025 Challenger Series campaign, the top-ranked team in Nairobi (excluding Kenya) will earn a coveted place in the World Rugby SVNS Division 3. This high-stakes context elevates the competition, which features 12 nations including regional powerhouses Uganda, Tunisia, and Madagascar.

Kenya enters the tournament on a wave of unprecedented success. Earlier in 2025, the Lionesses were crowned overall champions of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series for the first time in their history, a feat secured after winning two of the three rounds. This successful campaign, which included multiple victories over rivals South Africa, has instilled a new level of confidence in the squad. Captain Sheila Chajira noted the team's shift in mentality, stating they no longer just respect the 'Lady Blitzboks' but view themselves as equals.

The Squad for Nairobi

Head Coach Simon Odongo has named a formidable 12-player squad, blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent. The team is co-captained by the long-serving Sheila Chajira of Northern Suburbs and Grace Okulu, the influential fly-half who plies her trade professionally with Racing 92 in France. Japan-based winger Janet Okello, known for her pace, will serve as vice-captain.

The squad's assembly was a challenge for the technical bench, according to Odongo, who cited the impressive depth of talent available. Key players returning to the fold include Phoebe Akinyi, back from injury, and Nelly Chikombe, who earned her promotion from the Kenya Cubs second-string side after strong performances. The final squad list is as follows:

• Sheila Chajira (Co-Captain)
• Grace Okulu (Co-Captain)
• Janet Okello (Vice-Captain)
• Naomi Amuguni
• Phoebe Akinyi
• Moreen Muritu
• Christabel Lindo
• Sinaida Mokaya
• Edith Nariaka
• Faith Livoi
• Nelly Chikombe
• Freshia Awino

Ann Namunyak was named as a reserve player.

Path to the Title

The Lionesses have been drawn in Pool B and will begin their campaign on Saturday, November 15, with matches against Côte d'Ivoire at 12:44 PM EAT and Ghana at 4:06 PM EAT. Defending champions South Africa headline Pool A, setting the stage for a potential finals clash between the continent's top two ranked teams.

Kenya's sole Africa Women's 7s Cup victory came in 2018 in Gaborone, Botswana, where they defeated Uganda in the final. They have finished as runners-up on at least seven occasions, often falling to South Africa in the final match. However, recent results and the momentum from their Challenger Series victory suggest the Lionesses are better poised than ever to reclaim the title, this time in front of a home crowd. Coach Odongo has urged fans to turn up in large numbers, emphasizing the significant impact of their support.

The tournament is a cornerstone of the Kenya Rugby Union's long-term strategy to build squad depth and consistently compete at the highest level of global rugby. For the Lionesses, a victory in Nairobi would not only be a historic second continental title but also a powerful statement of their arrival as a dominant force in African and world rugby.