History-making Kenya Lionesses dream big

Kenya Lionesses are determined to build on their historic triumph in the 2025 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series after winning the first leg in Cape Town, South Africa.

Coach Dennis Mwanja’s side made history by securing their first major rugby sevens title on the global stage, defeating Argentina 17-12 in the cup final on Sunday at Athlone Sports Stadium.

However, there is little time for celebrations as the Lionesses gear up for the second leg at the same venue this weekend, where they will face Uganda and Belgium in Pool “A’, with their ultimate target promotion to the HSBC Sevens Series.

The top four teams after the third leg in Krakow, Poland on April 11 and 12 will advance to the HSBC Sevens playoff, where they will compete against the bottom-four teams from the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series on May 3-4 in Los Angeles, USA. The winners of this playoff will secure a place in the 2025-26 Series.

Kenya has attempted to qualify for the elite series since 2014, but has fallen short on multiple occasions.

Mwanja hailed the team’s determination after years of near-misses.

“Our win in Cape Town was sweet, given we have worked really hard to get where we are now. It has been a long journey. We have been falling short, previously losing to South Africa, and also because of some challenges last year,” he said yesterday. 

“But we are happy Safaricom has come on board to sponsor us. In addition, we had adequate time to prepare before coming to the opening two Challenger Series legs. The team has bonded well after playing together for a long time. We are aware of the task ahead of us, but we believe we will have a good year going forward.”

He said the win has given them a boost ahead of the second leg.

“It boosts our confidence that we have the ability. We are optimistic we will get to the final again,” Mwanja said, but warned that they are not underestimating Uganda and Belgium.

“Every team is dangerous. We treat them as threats,” Mwanja noted.

Reflecting on the opening leg, he admitted that pool games against Samoa and Poland were tough despite Kenya’s clean sweep.

Captain Grace Okulu led the charge with three tries against Samoa, while Freshia Oduor scored twice against Poland.

In the semi-final, Kenya edged hosts South Africa 19-15 in a mentally tough encounter before sealing victory against Argentina in the final with tries from Judith Okumu (two) and Okulu.

“We are now focused on another podium finish this weekend. This might be the best Lionesses team ever,” Mwanja declared.

Kenya narrowly missed the playoffs last year, finishing fifth. Now, with history on their side, they are determined to finally break into the HSBC Sevens Series.