Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has called on rugby fans to fill the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi next weekend as the national women's sevens side bids to reclaim the Africa Women's Sevens title and secure a route back onto the global HSBC SVNS ladder.

The two-day championship runs from November 7 to 8 and will decide Africa's qualification place for the third tier of the SVNS pathway. Kenya last won the continental title in 2018 and lost 22-0 to South Africa in last year's final at the same venue.

"Come and be the extra player and push us to win gold," Odongo said in a message to supporters.

The draw

Kenya, the hosts, have been drawn in Pool B alongside Tunisia and Ghana. The other pools are:

  • Pool A: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda
  • Pool C: Uganda, Madagascar, Mauritius, Burkina Faso

Odongo has warned his players against underestimating their pool rivals, describing Tunisia as an improving side and Ghana as physical and quick learners. He has said his first target is a place in the semi-finals, taking the tournament "one step at a time".

Why South Africa's presence changes the picture

South Africa have dominated the competition, winning 13 of the 15 previous editions. However, the Springbok Women's Sevens A side already plays in a higher division of the pathway, which means they cannot take the Nairobi qualification slot even if they retain the title.

South African coach Cecil Afrika has said he is using the event to give younger players experience. That opens the door for Kenya and Uganda, whose coach Charles Onen has said qualifying is his side's main priority and "definitely requires our best performance".

Zimbabwe, buoyed by their men's teams qualifying for the Rugby World Cup and winning the Africa Men's Sevens, are also expected to push hard.

Adhiambo boost

Kenya are expected to welcome back France-based Grace Adhiambo, who missed the recent Safari Sevens because of club commitments with Racing 92 in Paris. Odongo has described her as "a vital member of the team" and praised her tactical awareness and playmaking.

The coach used the Safari Sevens to test players in different positions and formations across three Kenyan teams. The Lionesses have been in a two-week non-residential camp that ends today, October 31, and will move into a week-long intensive camp before the tournament.

The championship comes at a busy time for Kenyan rugby, with the Kenya Rugby Union rolling out a new eight-year strategy for the 15-a-side game and the Kenya Cup season approaching.

For the Lionesses, a home title would be a key step on the road back toward the elite sevens circuit.

Photos: The Star; Eastleigh Voice. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.