The former national team player admitted gracing the quadrennial event will be enough compensation for the many opportunities he missed to feature in it during his playing career.
“Of course it is a great honour to play in the Olympics. Some of us when we had stopped playing, it’s when Kenya managed to make it to the Olympics. We always wanted to be part of it so it is an honour to compete in it not only as a player but as a coach,” Mwanja said.
First things first, Mwanja will have to steer the Lionesses through a tricky Rugby Africa 7s Olympics qualifiers in Tunis, Tunisia on October 14-15.
The coach noted that the team will be keen on emulating the exploits of their male counterparts who won the Rugby Africa 7s last month in Harare, Zimbabwe to confirm their third appearance at the Olympics.
“I would say Shujaa ran their race…each and every one of us has their job to do. The girls were motivated and were cheering them on but now the ball is in our court. We are equal to the task and the girls have proved themselves. This time, a year ago, we were in Chile for the Challenger Series and we made it to the semi-final, beating South Africa along the way. We are quietly confident of what we are capable of doing,” Mwanja said.
Part of the approach that the team have adopted for their campaign up-north is a no-nonsense attitude in all their matches.
Mwanja admitted that no team are worth underrating although he pinpointed the hosts and Madagascar as red flags for the Lionesses.
“We always look at Madagascar as being a threat because they play free flowing rugby, are unpredictable and have quite good runners. We are also looking at Tunisia, being the hosts. All in all, we are a respecter of no team…we respect teams but don’t fear what they pose a threat,” he said.
Mwanja added: “It has been a long journey preparing for these qualifiers and we have our work cut out. We have previously qualified by virtue of South Africa not being allowed by their union from competing at the Olympics. We are raring to go for the competition…no favours but by just fighting our way through.”
The coach named a 12-woman squad on Tuesday, which will be skippered by Grace Adhiambo.
Also included in the team is Japan-based Janet Okello whose experience Mwanja believes will be pivotal to their qualification ambitions.
“Janet has been a key part of the team…through the Lionesses, she was called into the professional ranks. We have to bring our best resources for this tournament and we know her qualities. Also, just by showing up, she really motivates the team so it is an inclusion that cannot be overlooked at this time,” he said.
Lionesses squad for Rugby Africa 7s Olympics qualifiers: Grace Adhiambo (Captain), Sharon Auma, Stella Wafula, Phoebe Akinyi, Judith Okumu, Janet Okello, Diana Awino, Terry Ayesa, Naomi Amuguni, Maureen Muritu, Dorcas Nyachio and Christabel Lindo.
