A mission not possible awaits the nationwide ladies’s rugby 15s facet who will probably be internet hosting the Africa Cup on the RFUEA Grounds on Might 23-31.
Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo stays unbowed and centered on successful the last word prize for which they must undergo the mighty South Africa.
The defending champions competed ultimately yr’s World Cup in England the place they made historical past by reaching the quarterfinals for the primary time of their historical past.
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As a substitute of shuddering on the Boks’ achievement, Odongo is relishing the prospect to maul an opponent who has performed on the highest degree of the competitors.
“South Africa since that period have been to the World Cup. So for us that is a significant activity towards South Africa. We satisfaction ourselves in going for gold. You understand we have now to beat South Africa for that to occur. So we will probably be aiming for us to carry out,” the Kenya Harlequin head coach stated.
The 2 groups clashed within the second match of the final version of the competitors in Antananarivo the place South Africa narrowly gained 17-12 to disclaim Odongo’s expenses a covetous first win in ages.
The magnitude of the duty however, the gaffer believes Kenya have a slight benefit within the calibre of gamers chosen for the occasion – particularly a bulk of the 7s workforce who have been lively on this season’s World Rugby Division 2 collection.
“To begin with it is a huge, huge enhance to have the 7s gamers out there. I do not suppose South Africa can have the identical luxurious as a result of in addition they must go to France and Spain to qualify for the 7s championships. Even final yr we had the 7s gamers and you would see the foremost shot it gave us,” Odongo stated.
Notable among the many 7s gamers chosen embody co-captain Judith Auma, Janet ‘Shebesh’ Okello, Maureen Muritu, Stella Wafula, Freshia Oduor, and Sinaida Mokaya, amongst others.
The conflict is ready for Might 31 on the RFUEA Grounds, preceded by encounters towards Uganda and Madagascar – the opposite sides within the four-team competitors.
In lieu of previous outcomes, many tip Kenya and South Africa to share the highest two locations.
That the 2 sides will probably be clashing on the ultimate matchday provides further spice to the fixture, with bragging rights at stake.
Nevertheless, Odongo is cautious to not dismiss the menace posed by the opposite two opponents.
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“In fact, we aren’t disrespecting Uganda and Madagascar who’re additionally formidable sides. For us, it is simply to choose off the place we left final yr and simply to strive and ensure we’re as environment friendly and as medical as potential,” he stated.
The gaffer is additional anticipating followers to fill RFUEA Grounds to the rafters in help of the Lionesses, following on from the success of different megasports occasions within the final one yr.
“That is an 80 minute recreation…we have now two video games each day. A lot leisure watching the opposite nations…and naturally watching Kenya play towards these different nations. I feel we count on the followers will probably be turning up. As a result of it is a 4pm kick-off and many of the video games in Kenya are 4pm kick-offs, and simply figuring out the eagerness and zeal that the Kenyan followers have, we positively count on a offered out crowd,” he stated.
Odongo added: “Particularly towards Uganda our neighbours and South Africa who’re the reigning champions. We’re positively trying ahead to seeing the followers refill the stadiums.”
On Thursday morning, the gaffer named his closing 28-player squad for the continental competitors.
