Nariaka , Livoi recalled to Lionesses squad for Los Angeles sevens as they core status

Mwamba stars Edith Nariaka and Faith Livoi have been recalled to the Kenya Lionesses squad for the World Sevens Series playoffs in Los Angeles this weekend.

The duo missed the final Challenger Seven Series leg in Kraków, Poland, on April 11-12.

Head coach Dennis Mwanja believes the duo’s return to the squad will be vital as the Lionesses chase core status for the 2025/2026 season

The team had a one-week camp at the Sadili Oval in Lang’ata to fine-tune, to Mwanja’s satisfaction.

“The camp was great. We got ample time to polish up on some details of the game. The selection of the final travelling 13 players was tough and tricky since all the players brought their A-game throughout the camp,” said Mwanja.

“We are happy for Edith, who has been impressive in training all season. We look forward to her performance in LA.”

The Lionesses face a tricky test in the promotion/relegation shootout. They play Brazil, Spain and Colombia

They will carry the momentum from the Challenger Sevens Series, where they finished top of the standings with 58 points.

“We will leverage our performance in Cape Town and Krakow, play to our strengths and minimise mistakes.  The teams we face are also fighting for their status. We have to be our best to qualify,” observed Mwanja.

Meanwhile, Shujaa head coach Kevin Wambua has stuck to the same 13 who played at the Hong Kong Sevens (March 28-30) and Singapore Sevens (April 5-6).

They battle Samoa, Portugal and hosts USA in Pool ‘A’ of the playoffs. Shujaa camped at the Nakuru Athletic Club in preparation for their trip.

Coach Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua said: “The camp has been good and the sessions were great. We focused on polishing our setpiece and attack frameworks and reinforced our defence. The mood within the camp has been good. The boys are ready.”

“It (selection) was indeed a headache, but a good headache, due to the quality of players. John Okoth and Chrisant Ojwang, who are back from injuries, pushed hard for their slots, but we decided to stick with the same team that played in the Asian tournaments,” he said.

“Focus is on our first game, which should give us momentum. We know Samoa are a quality side but we have done our homework on them and know how we will approach that game,” he added.

The two sides flew out for Los Angeles on Sunday evening.

Kenya Lionesses: Co-captain Grace Okulu (Nakuru), Co-captain Sheila Chajira, Judith Okumu, Stellah Wafula, Freshia Oduor, Sharon Auma, Moreen Muritu, Diana Ochieng, Christabel Lindo (Impala Roans), Edith Nariaka, Sinaida Nyachio, Faith Livoi (Mwamba) Phoebe Otieno (Northern Suburbs)

Shujaa: Co-captain George Ooro (Leos), Co-captain Samuel Asati (KCB), Kevin Wekesa, William Mwanji, Jone Tavaga, Brian Tanga (Kabras), Vincent Onyala, Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wabwire (KCB RC), Denis Abukuse (Menengai Oilers), Antony Omondi(Mwamba), Nygel Amaitsa (Leos), Patrick Odongo (Daystar Falcons)