Head coach Odongo rallies support for Kenya Lionesses at Rugby Africa Women’s Cup
By Joel Masibo, May 16, 2026The Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has called upon Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and rally behind the country’s national women’s rugby team during the upcoming 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance division scheduled for Thursday, May 21, to Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the RFUEA Grounds.
The high-stakes the tournament will feature top African nations including South Africa, Uganda, and Madagascar. Speaking as the Lionesses continue to sharpen their claws ahead of the continental assignments, Odongo said the presence of local supporters at the RFUEA will be vital in pushing the Kenyan girls as they aim to clinch the title on home soil.
Odongo rallies support
”We are in camp with 35 players that we selected from the 62 women and we are preparing for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup that will be happening here in Nairobi at the RFUEA Grounds. I urge all the fans to come and support us, be an extra player and push us to win gold.” Odongo noted on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Advantage for Lionesses
For the Kenya Lionesses, hosting the tournament presents a major advantage as they seek to impress on home soil, challenge for continental honours, and climb higher in the world rankings.
The tournament begins on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with South Africa taking on Madagascar before Kenya renew their fierce rivalry with Uganda in a much-anticipated East African clash.
Ahead of the tourney, the Kenya Rugby Union Chair Harriet Okach has also urged local rugby enthusiasts to throng the RFUEA Grounds in support of thevlocal girls.
“It will be the first time Kenya will be hosting such a tournament,” Okach said. “To the rest of the world, Rugby Africa recently gave us the privilege to Rugby Africa Women’s 15s Cup. It is a big deal because it has the best of Africa Women’s 15s. To Kenyans, come out in large numbers, let us cheer the Lionesses.” She said ealier.
On May 27, 2026, South Africa will square off against Uganda, while Kenya will battle Madagascar in another crucial fixture.
The final day of action on Sunday, May 31, 2026, will see Uganda face Madagascar before the Lionesses meet South Africa in a showdown many believe could determine the eventual champions.
Entrance
Supporters eager to cheer on the Kenyan side, with regular tickets retailing at Ksh500 and VIP access going for Ksh1,000. Organizers confirmed there will be no VVIP category for the event.