2025 Africa Women’s 7s: Odongo Sets Sights on Strong Finish as Lionesses Hunt for Home Glory

Simon Odongo outlines a long-term vision for Kenya Lionesses, focusing on squad depth and future global competitiveness beyond the continental tournament.

Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has outlined his long-term vision for the national women’s rugby sevens team ahead of the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens Championship set for this weekend at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. 

Odongo, who named his final squad on Thursday morning, emphasized that the Africa Women’s Sevens will serve as a crucial stepping stone towards the 2026 World Rugby Division II tournament, where Kenya has already qualified. 

Speaking to the press, the coach stated that his technical team’s priority is strengthening the team’s depth, developing tactical awareness, and instilling a winning mentality that can withstand top-tier competition.

“We want to have capacity and depth that will pull us through the world event and qualify for Division I,”  Odongo told a local publication, adding that the presence of France-based Grace Okulu and Japan-based Janet Okello provides a big confidence boost.

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The Lionesses are coming off a successful 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series campaign, where they impressed with solid performances and notable wins against top-ranked teams.

 Odongo believes the team must maintain that momentum by rotating players and giving new talents exposure in high-pressure continental matches.

Building for the Future, Not Just the Weekend

The 14th edition of the Africa Women’s Sevens doubles as the continental qualifier for the upcoming World Rugby Division II, set to begin in February 2026. 

“The new players in the team have also brought in some good energy with everyone striving to meet their set targets,” Odongo said.

Odongo’s emphasis on development is also evident in his willingness to integrate young players into the senior setup early, ensuring seamless succession for future tournaments.

Team captain Sheila Chagira shares the coach’s optimism, saying that the team’s renewed focus and improved structures have created a positive environment.

“We hope to write a different script this time around, having only won one edition,” said Chagira, who has led the team through a period of transition and tactical evolution.

Confidence and Belief to Challenge Africa’s Best

The Lionesses have reached nine Africa Women’s Sevens finals but have often fallen short, losing seven of them to South Africa’s Lady Blitzboks—including last year’s 17-10 defeat in Accra, Ghana.

However, Chagira believes that the psychological gap between Kenya and South Africa has significantly narrowed following the Lionesses’ three victories over the Blitzboks during the 2025 World Rugby Challenger Series.

“We used to respect Lady Blitzboks but we are now equals. Our training has changed with better management of play and delivery,” she said, calling on fans to fill the stands at the RFUEA Grounds and rally behind the team.

Kenya is drawn in Pool ‘B’ alongside Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, while South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius headline Pool ‘A’. Uganda, Zambia, and Burkina Faso feature in Pool ‘C’, with Madagascar, Tunisia, and Egypt completing Pool ‘D’.