Kenya confirms readiness to host 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Nairobi
The event marks Kenya’s latest effort to stage major continental competitions as part of preparations for the 2026 World Rugby Challenger Series.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has confirmed that Kenya is ready to host the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens Cup, scheduled for November 14–15 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
According to a statement from Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, 11 national teams, Zambia, Tunisia, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, and Ghana will compete in the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the World Rugby Challenger Series (SVNS Division 3).
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The event marks Kenya’s latest effort to stage major continental competitions as part of preparations for the 2026 World Rugby Challenger Series.
In the statement, Mvurya said the Africa Women’s Sevens Cup reinforces Kenya’s capacity to host international rugby events and reflects the government’s ongoing investment in sporting infrastructure, including the Talanta Sports City project.
The Cabinet Secretary also emphasised the broader goal of using sport to advance women’s participation and youth empowerment, describing the Kenya Lionesses as “a team defined by resilience, passion, and pride.”
Kenya has won the continental title once and finished as runners-up several times. The upcoming edition will also serve as a rematch between the Lionesses and defending champions South Africa, who beat Kenya in last year’s final. Notably, the two sides have met four times this year, with Kenya emerging victorious in three of those encounters.
Head coach Simon Odongo unveiled a 12-player squad blending experience and new energy. The team features senior figures such as captain Sheila Chajira, Janet Okello, Moreen Muritu, and Naomi Amuguni, alongside rising talents Snaida Okaya, Fresha Awino, and Nelly Chikombe, who impressed during the Safari Sevens.
The return of Grace Okulu, who plays professionally in France with Racing 92, provides a major boost for the hosts. Also back in contention is Phoebe Akinyi, recovering from a long-term injury.
Kenya has been drawn in Pool B alongside Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, a relatively favourable group that still demands focus from the hosts.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius form Pool A, while Uganda, Zambia, and Burkina Faso make up Pool C. Madagascar, Tunisia, and Egypt complete Pool D.
The tournament comes at a pivotal moment for women’s rugby in Kenya. The Lionesses have shown steady progress on the international stage, winning the World Rugby Challenger Series in Cape Town and finishing third in Poland last season before making their SVNS Division II debut in Los Angeles, where they defeated South Africa in a thrilling encounter.
The Ministry noted that hosting the championship aligns with the government’s vision to grow women’s sport and establish Kenya as a premier sporting destination. The event will also test the country’s readiness to stage future global competitions, supported by ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Talanta Sports City Stadium.
The winner of the Nairobi tournament will qualify for the next World Rugby Challenger Series event in January 2026.
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