Kenya’s Lionesses and Shujaa are back on the road as they prepare for the next rounds of the HSBC SVNS 2 series, with both teams looking to move closer to promotion.
The two sides will first play in Montevideo, Uruguay on March 21–22, before heading to São Paulo, Brazil a week later. These matches are expected to play a big role in deciding who moves up to the top HSBC SVNS 1 level next season.
After the Nairobi leg, both teams know they still have work to do.
The Lionesses have made a few changes to their squad, with Faith Livoi and Christabel Lindo returning after missing the earlier matches. Captain Sheila Chajira will once again lead the team, alongside players like Naomi Amuguni, Charity Nillah and Janet Okello.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Chajira said the team is focused on improving their performance.
“We are grateful for our fans’ incredible support in Nairobi. Our focus now shifts to Uruguay and Brazil, where we aim to win our matches and secure qualification for Division One. We also thank Safaricom, through M-PESA, for their continued support in elevating our game both on and off the pitch,” she said.
For Shujaa, the squad largely remains familiar, but there are a few key updates. Brian Tanga returns after being out with injury for some time, while Gabriel Ayimba has been handed his first call-up.
The rest of the squad includes experienced names like George Ooro, Samuel Asati and Vincent Onyala.
In Nairobi, Shujaa finished third, while the Lionesses ended their campaign in fifth place at Nyayo National Stadium.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the teams have continued to show strong fighting spirit and backed them to do well in the coming matches.
“Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses have once again shown the grit, discipline, and fighting spirit that define Kenyan rugby. With M-PESA supporting the teams through our partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union, the players can focus fully on their game. I wish them the very best as they head to Uruguay and Brazil for the next rounds of the HSBC SVNS 2,” he said.
The teams are supported through a partnership between M-PESA and the Kenya Rugby Union, which helps cover player needs like allowances and medical care.
With only a few rounds left, the upcoming matches could decide whether Kenya’s teams make it back to the top level. For now, all eyes will be on how they perform in South America.
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