Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenya Lionesses coach Dennis Mwanja wants his charges to play three tournaments before the Olympic qualifiers in Zambia next year.
The tactician said the more tournaments they will play, the higher their chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
“We need more tournaments for us to give ourselves a chance and test our systems and strategy for the qualifier,” he said.
Mwanja’s charges had mixed performances at last weekend’s tournament in Dubai, beating France 19-14, and Tunisia 10-5. They succumbed to a 33-0 loss to Australia, and a 29-12 defeat to France’s development side to bow out in the plate category
“The girls gave a good account of themselves with the challenges we had before departure. Besides, arriving a day before the competition starts is not ideal but we have shown our worth and the girls will get better with more competition.”
Mwanja, who is also the KCB assistant coach, said they hope to play one leg of the World Sevens in February or March and an invitational tournament in Gibraltar to be in peak condition by the time the qualifiers start in Zambia.
“I’m looking at playing two more tournaments for us to be in the best possible condition and ensure we qualify for Paris and do the country proud.
He added that he will be keeping a close eye on the Women’s Kenya Cup which kicked off over the weekend with the aim of beefing up either the Sevens squad or 15’s squad.
“There is new talent emerging in the women’s game, and it will build depth, especially with the busy schedule we have next year,” added Mwanja.
He thanked Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba for supporting the team after the turbulent week the Kenya sevens team had before departure.
“ The CS has taken a keen interest in the plight of the girls and wants to help us going forward I’m coming up with the budget for the team for next year which I will be given to him very soon,” added Mwanja.
The team will resume training after a week’s rest next week before taking a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
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