Murunga said the competitive matches and friendlies played in the last few months have solidified the nerves of the girls who will be making their first appearance in the tournament.

“Most of them were in the first tour in Uganda then later we travelled with them to Madagascar (Rugby Africa Women’s Cup). Last weekend we were in South Africa in Cape Town against Rhinos and the South African national team. So, they should be in a better position to play in the next tournament,” Murunga said.

He added: “Most of the players…in fact all of them are making their debut in this competition since this is the first time Kenya will be participating in this tournament. We want to make sure we are able to play together as a team. Of course, we have new players who are joining the team…for the 15s and 7s.”

Kenya kick off their campaign against Spain on October 14 before taking on Kazakhstan (October 20) and Colombia (October 27) in their subsequent ties.

Reflecting on the matches, Murunga described them as a welcome challenge that will forge the team into a world class side in the long term.

“Going into this competition is a challenge with new teams that we have to face. Considering they’re playing in the same tier, which is WXV3, they are worthy competitors and for us, if they are in this competition, then we will compete with and ensure that we win this tournament,” he said.

Murunga was speaking in the aftermath of naming a 25-woman squad that will do national duty in Dubai.

Five other players will join the squad from the Kenyan team that will be competing at the Rugby Africa 7s/Olympics qualifiers in Tunisia.

Speaking at the same time, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) vice chair Moses Ndale was emphatic that the team will not be mere also-rans in the tournament.

“We are all aware that the team has been working hard in training. They have just come back from South Africa. The government has supported this team very well…as well as our partners, the Rhinos in South Africa who came through for us to ensure that this team is well prepared to not just participate but to compete in Dubai,” Ndale said.

Ndale further called on Kenyans to get behind the team and extend the same level of support given to the national 7s side, Shujaa, who beat South Africa last month to qualify for next year’s Paris Olympics.  

Lionesses squad to Dubai: Enid Ouma (captain); Rose Otieno; Knight Otwoma; Natasha Emali; Helsa Khisa; Faith Livoi; Diana Kemunto; Naomi Jelagat; Winnie Owino; Ann Goretti; Angel Charity Juma; Laureen Akoth; Priscah Nyerere; Freshia Awino and Diana Omoso.