Dennis Mwanja rings three changes in Lionesses' squad for Elgon Cup

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RUGBY Dennis Mwanja rings three changes in Lionesses' squad for Elgon Cup

Festus Chuma 12:33 - 09.11.2023

Mwanja revamps the Lionesses squad for the Elgon Cup as Simbas seek redemption against Uganda Cranes.

Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja has announced three strategic changes to the squad ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Uganda at the Elgon Cup this Saturday.

This one-off match ignited the rugby fervor at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu, setting the stage for the men's return leg, a grudge match pitting Kenya against Uganda.

The Elgon Cup, a tournament steeped in history and launched in 2004, is set to make a triumphant return to the rugby calendar after a four-year hiatus since its last edition in 2019. 

With the excitement building up, the Lionesses are gearing up for action after their fifth-place finish in the recent World Rugby WXV3 competition held in Dubai, UAE.

The Lionesses selection panel has introduced three key changes to strengthen the team's lineup.

Maureen Muritu and Naomi Amunguni, who played pivotal roles in the Lionesses' journey to the Rugby Africa Women's 7s last month in Tunisia, are making their return to the squad.

Excitingly, Janet Chanya has received her first national team call-up, adding a fresh dynamic to the team's composition.

The team will march into battle under the captaincy of the indomitable Enid Ouma, with Diana Kemunto and Phoebe Akinyi forming a formidable back row partnership. 

Maureen Chebet and Faith Livoi will continue to fortify the second row, while Everlyne Kalemera, Knight Otwoma, and Natasha Emali will anchor the front row, ensuring a solid foundation.

In the crucial half-back positions, Judith Okumu and Ann Goretti will maintain their partnership, while Stella Wafula will team up with Maureen Muritu in midfield. 

Completing the squad's firepower in the back three are Christabel Lindo, Sharon Auma, and Diana Omosso, ready to dazzle with their speed and agility.

As the Lionesses prepare for their showdown, their male counterparts, the Simbas, are thirsting for well-calculated revenge on home soil against the Uganda Cranes. 

The Cranes narrowly edged the Simbas 21-20 in a heart-stopping title decider at the Kings Park Arena in Kampala just last Sunday. 

Kenya Lionesses 

15.Diana Omosso, 14. Sharon Auma, 13. Maureen Muritu, 12. Stella Wafula, 11. Christabel Lindo, 10. Ann Goretti, 9. Judith Okumu, 1. Everlyne Kalemera, 2. Knight Otwoma, 3. Natasha Emali, 4. Maureen Chebet, 5. Faith Livoi, 6. Enid Ouma (Captain), 7. Diana Kemunto, 8. Phoebe Akinyi

Replacements: 16. Naomi Muhanji, 17. Janet Chanya, 18. Rose Otieno, 19. Naomi Jelagat, 20. Naomi Amuguni, 21. Edith Nariaka, 22. Terry Ayesa, 23. Dorcas Mokaya

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