Japan-based Janet Okello makes comeback as Lionesses name Uruguay squad

Japan-based Janet Okello will make her return to the Kenya Lionesses as the women’s national rugby 7s team heads to Montevideo, Uruguay for the second round of the HSBC Challenger Series 2024 taking place from 8-10 March.

Okello missed the opening outing held in Dubai where the Dennis Mwanja-led side grabbed second place after losing 19-5 against China in the final.

Okello, who replaces Diana Kemunto, is the only change to the squad that will be captained by Sheila Chajira.

Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 29 Million SportPesa Midweek Jackpot

Speaking after unveiling the squad, Mwanja expressed confidence in the team as he revealed the team’s target was to replicate their performance in Dubai.

We are at fever pitch with our preparations for the upcoming Challenger Series in Uruguay. It means so much to us because it is the precursor to the final showdown for the Olympic qualifiers as well as having a shot at qualifying for the HSBC.

It is a welcome opportunity to get a lot of valuable exposure and enjoy the game on and off the field and for the girls, it is a great learning experience because most of them have watched Shujaa travel around the world and envying but our hard work has earned us a spot to travel and play with different nations,” he told KRU media.

“Our pool in Uruguay is going to be very interesting. Belgium seem to be the strongest side but we also have Hong Kong China and Papua New Guinea who are worthy opponents and we are taking it in our stride.

ALSO READ: Patrick Odongo dropped as Shujaa name squad for Uruguay Challenger Series

We are going to prove it was not a fluke getting to the finals. Our systems are polished, and we are looking at adjusting a couple of set pieces, restarts and getting the mental side on as many other areas have been covered,” he added.

Lionesses are drawn together with Belgium, Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong China in Pool B.

China have been drawn to face Poland, Czechia and Paraguay in Pool A while Argentina, bronze medalists in Dubai, will play Uganda, Thailand and Mexico in Pool C.

The top two from each pool as well as the two best third-placed finishers will qualify for the knockout stages with quarter-finals and semi-finals leading to the third place and gold medal matches.

ALSO READ: OPINION: Kipchoge begins long, winding quest for 'redemption' after Kiptum missteps

The team depart for Uruguay on Sunday 3 March 2024.

Lionesses Travelling Squad

Sheila Chajira (Captain), Naomi Amuguni, Judith Okumu, Stella Wafula, Sharon Auma, Grace Okulu, Janet Okello, Christabel Lindo, Sinaida Nyachio, Maureen Muritu, Phoebe Akinyi, Terry Ayesa

ALSO READ: End February in style with the over 29 Million SportPesa Midweek Jackpot