Kenya Lionesses Boss Outlines What His Charges Must Do to Win Africa 7s Title on Home Soil

Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has explained what his charges must do to clinch the Rugby Africa Women's 7 title on home soil after beating Ivory Coast and Ghana on day one.

Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo believes his side is primed for a serious title push at the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s after a dominant opening day at the RFUEA Grounds — but insists the job is far from done as they chase continental glory on home soil.

The Lionesses swept through their pool fixtures with ruthless efficiency, running in 44 unanswered points against Ivory Coast before dispatching Ghana 37-0 to book a quarter-final showdown with Zambia. 

The hosts ended Day One without conceding a try, a feat Odongo praised but warned must be backed up with even more precision on Day Two.

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“We set day one as a plot to give the ladies an equal opportunity for them to express their talents ahead of day two, which they managed,” Odongo said after Saturday’s victories.

 “Having clean sheets on day one is a good achievement and bodes well for tomorrow.”

While Kenya’s established stars — including captain Janet Okello and playmaker Grace Okulu — delivered heavily with tries and assists, Odongo highlighted the significance of squad depth in powering their campaign. 

Debutants such as Edith Nariaka and Nelly Chikombe, who scored in both matches, impressed the technical bench.

“I think it shows the competitive nature and depth of the squad because if you can have someone like Nelly Chikombe come in to replace Stella Wafula, who is not in the country, it is a good indicator,” Odongo noted. 

“Edith Nariaka has also debuted in the African Championship, and it is a plus. It shows they are ready to take the jersey.”

Despite the strong performances, the head coach stressed the need for sharper execution as the tournament enters the knockout stages, where a single mistake could prove costly.

“There are things we did not do well today,” he admitted. “So for us it is to make sure that we work on them, to make sure we are mistake-free tomorrow.”

Veteran forward Sheila Chajira echoed her coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for discipline and clarity in high-pressure matches.

“First, keep our structure, keep what is working for us,” Chajira said. “What will not work, put aside — and put our best foot forward.”

With Kenya hosting the tournament for the first time in over a decade, Odongo believes the Lionesses have the perfect stage to reclaim the title they last won in 2018.

“For us, it’s a game at a time,” he said. “We will take care of each game as it comes. We are also on home soil, so it is a good opportunity for us to be crowned champions.”

The Lionesses face Zimbabwe next as they continue their pursuit of a second continental crown.