Kenya Lionesses coach Mwanja optimistic team will reach World Cup
Kenya 15’s a side national women’s rugby team, Lionesses; Head Coach Dennis Mwanja has expressed optimism of his charges qualifying for the World Cup before their men counterparts Simbas.
Mwanja said the prospects are informed by the huge strides Lionesses has made, adding that the midas touch will be hinged on goodwill from prospective sponsors.
“We have a very strong women’s team and I personally expect the team not only to qualify but also ruffle a few feathers in the event. It can even qualify before Simbas achieve the feat,’’ said Mwanja.
He added: “But for that to happen, well-wishers and particularly corporate entities should support this team and it will reciprocate the philanthropy. if we get the rewards for that, it will give us many options and we have the ability to vanquish all our opponents in all facets of play,” said Mwanja.
The tactician further said that the team’s line-outs are the recipe to a splendid performance moving forward.
“Our line-outs are almost flawless and I’m overly happy with that.
The players have been a marvel to watch. Our mauls are also not that bad and I think we can take on a big team head on. We want to ask their defense lines quite a few questions,” he said.
Mwanja also underscored the importance of their sixteenth player that are fans in achieving their dream.
“Our fans have become a crucial component in the team and if we win, we most acknowledge their input. It’s as simple as that,” Mwanja added.
However, Mwanha cautioned his charges not to be over-confident, the team’s rich vein of form notwithstanding.
“Please don’t lose your heads because this is a game of rugby where fortunes change. You need to remain focused knowing that there are many matches ahead,” said Mwanja.
Lionesses made their intentions known by topping pool B last week to advance to the next round just a fortnight after Madagascar clawed Tunisia 27-5 to top pool C.
On the other hand, Cameroon kicked off the Pool D campaign by beating Ivory Coast 8-0.
Against Zambia, Lionesses looked rusty and it was least surprising when they conceded points at some stage before picking themselves up to win 36-17.
Lionesses would later add the icing on the cake by inflicting hosts Uganda a 23-3 defeat in a result which left Mwanja a happy man.
“The matches in Uganda were an ideal build up and especially after we were inactive for a lengthy period. The girls were a bit over-confident against Zambia although were able to put the game to bed. Some of our systems did not fully work out but were managed to make improvements against Uganda.”
Mwanja’s target is to beat South Africa and Madagascar to reach the next level.
“These countries are beatable. I have observed their strong and weak points and its upon us to make maximum use of the same,” he observed.
