Grace Adhiambo will captain the Kenya Lionesses to the Africa Sevens- cum-Olympic qualifiers slated for October 14-15 in Tunisia.
The playmaker, who has been an integral member of the squad for the last four years, will be deputised by Judith Auma as the Lionesses seek to qualify for the third time in succession since making their debut on the global stage in Rio 2016.
Head coach Dennis Mwanja said with the WXV3 tournament kicking off on the same day in Dubai, he faces a tough juggling act in choosing two competitive squads for the two key tournaments.
“The Olympic qualifier is key for us and we are sending a very strong squad to Tunis to qualify for Paris. We believe the girls have what it takes to earn the automatic slot in France next year," the tactician said.
Mwanja said the union had tried to speak to Rugby Africa to postpone the qualifier to next month to give the 15's team adequate time to prepare for the WXV3 tournament but their plea fell on deaf ears.
“ We tried our best but we have no other option but to play the tournaments at the same time. Once the Sevens tournament is done, the girls will fly to Dubai and join the rest of the 15s squad,” added Mwanja.
The Lionesses will face Zambia, Ghana, and Madagascar in Pool 'B' with Pool 'A' featuring powerhouses South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Mwanja said he expects a formidable test from the fleet-footed Madagascar outfit who on their day can cause upsets.
"They are a fast quick team and we have played them before in both Sevens and 15s and we have to be wary of them,” he warned.
The players, who will be traveling to the UAE after the Sevens tournament are Phoebe Akinyi, Judith Okumu, Grace Adhiambo, Terry Ayesa, and Sharon Auma. Mwanja also announced that the squad that will play at the WXV 3 tournament in Dubai will be captained by Enid Ouma.
Sevens squad: Sharon Auma, Stella Wafula, Phoebe Akinyi, Judith Okumu, Grace Adhiambo, Janet Okello, Diana Awino, Terry Ayesa, Naomi Amuguni, Maureen Muritu, Dorcas Nyachio and Christabel Lindo.
Lionesses 15s squad: Rose Otieno, Knight Otwoma, Natasha Emali, Helsa Khisa, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Goretti, Angel Charity Juma, Laureen Akoth, Priscah Nyerere, Freshia Awino and Diana Omoso.
The team has a versatile bench that includes Naomi Muhanji, Evelyn Kalamera, Mercy Migingo, Stacy Atieno, Michelle Akinyi, Edith Narlaka, Jiveti Daisy Osore, Lewin Amazimbi, Valentine Otieno and Maureen Chebet.
