Kenya Lionesses will hold trials for the western-based players at the ASK showground in Kakamega on September 11-12 for a chance to play for the team in the next month's Safari Sevens in October.
"The Kenya Lionesses will he having open trials at the ASK showground, Kakamega, offering an opportunity to all western-based players to be picked to join the provisional national squad on September 11-12 from 9 am to 4 pm,” read a statement by KRU.
Team manager Camilyne Oyuayo said that, with a couple of injuries and absentees in the team, they are looking at options from the upcoming trials.
“As you are aware, a couple of our players like Phoebe Akinyi, Freshia Owino and Judith Auma are injured, while our captain, Grace Adhiambo, who is in France, is unavailable for the Safari sevens next month, “ said Oyuayo
She added, “ This allows us to test new players, especially from Western Kenya, to have a chance to play for the Lionesses and build depth for future international assignments,” he noted.
Oyuayo expressed hope for a big turnout of players from the region, with the sport making inroads in the last couple of years. “We have seen top players coming from that part of the country for both men and women, and I believe the new faces which we will get will be highly motivated by what the players and the team have achieved in the recent past,” observed Oyuayo
The Lionesses will be seeking to reclaim the title they surrendered to the Costa Blanca Barbarians of Spain after falling 24-10. Head coach Dennis Mwanja said they are looking forward to a competitive Safari Sevens event with Uganda and Tunisia among the teams to watch out for.
"We had scrimmages with Tunisia as we started the countdown to the tournament. Our players are looking ready, having played in the ongoing National Seven Series. With a couple of tweaks and tactical strategies, we can go all out and win the championship,” said Mwanja.
Mwanja said they will use the Safari Sevens as preparation for the Africa Cup Sevens, which Kenya is hosting from November 14-17 at the RFUEA ground.
