Kenya Lionesses Head Coach Felix Oloo has named his 13 squad to do duty in the women’s Olympic Sevens competition in Tokyo from 29th to 31st July.
Captain Philadelphia Olando is one of three survivors from the squad that played at the Rio Olympics in 2016, the others being Sheila Chajira and Janet Okello as the Lionesses seek to navigate their way out of Pool A where they will face New Zealand, Russia and Great Britain.
Oloo gave an insight into squad selection, saying, ” We based our selection criteria on attendance, discipline, medical assessment, player fitness as well as understanding of the game and positional roles each player has. This is what guided our selection of the final 13 players.”
“We also have a few players missed out on the selection because they are yet to recover from injuries picked up in previous tournaments.”
With the Lionesses drawn against New Zealand, Russia and Great Britain, Oloo said, “I am very excited to play against the greatest teams in the world at the Olympics, much as we are the underdogs, we plan to play to win. We shall give our best and let character win the day when we take on to the pitch. We ask our fans back home to support us throughout the tournament.”
Lionesses Olympic Squad: Philadelphia Olando (Northern Suburbs, Captain),Sheila Chajira (Homeboyz), Stellah Wafula (Impala Saracens), Christabel Lindo (Impala Saracens), Leah Wambui (Homeboyz), Judith Auma (Homeboyz), Vivian Akumu (Top Fry Nakuru), Sarah Oluche (Mwamba), Grace Adhiambo (Top Fry Nakuru), Cynthia Atieno (Homeboyz), Janet Okello (Mwamba), Sinaida Aura (Northern Suburbs), Diana Awino (Impala) NON TRAVELLING RESERVE: Enid Ouma (Homeboyz) MANAGEMENT: Felix Oloo (Coach), Samuel Njogu (Assistant Coach), Ben Mahinda (Medic), Camilyne Oyuayo (Manager
Courtesy/KRU