Kenya women's coach, Kemmy calls up 7 new players

Sseven new players have been called up to the national women’s rugby team to start preparations for the first leg of Elgon Cup against Uganda on August 15 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground. Among the new call ups is Sharon Onyango, a sister to Lucas Onyango who plays Rugby League in Manchester for Oldham. Others are Rachel Wamoto, Catherine Abilla, Sylvia Kavere, Anita Kalemera and Esther Njue.

But coach Sammy Kemmey will miss two key players - Anita Omondi and Nereah Awino - who are currently out of the country. The bulk of the 30 players named by Kemmey are from Mwamba Invaders with the rest from Ruaraka-based Vivi Girls.

The team has been training from February and used Safari Sevens as part of their build up. “The players have matured and are upbeat about the upcoming assignments,” the coach said. Celestine Navalayo, the women’s national team captain is encouraged by the steady growth of women’s rugby especially in schools.

Provisional Kenya women squad:

Stacy Awuor, Janet Midecha, Kezia Achieng, Maureen Minayo, Robinah Wambui, Sharon Onyango, Irene Namai (Vivi Girls)

Celestine Navalayo, Catherine Abilla, Rachel Adhiambo, Judy Agengo, Irene Awino, Irene Nyakundi, Rachel Wamoto, Dorcus Ocholi, Emily Achieng, Camilyne Awuor, Adelaide Nasambu, Abedine Shikhoi, Mary Atieno, Mary Musieka, Esther Njue, Angela Olum, Doreen Remour, Millicent Opalla, Philadelphia Olando, Sylvia Kavere, Agnes Wanjiru, Anita Kalemera and Rebecca Kerubo (Mwamba Invaders).

source: The Punter, Daily Nation, July 25th