In a stunning achievement that will resonate for years to come, the Kenya Lionesses rugby team claimed their first-ever international tournament title by winning the first leg of the 2025 Challenger Series. The historic 17-12 victory over Argentina in the final was more than just a win. It was a testament to the resilience, determination and strength of the women on the team, who have faced countless challenges on their journey to the top.
Today, as the world celebrates International Women's Day, the Lionesses stand as a shining example of what women can achieve when they are given the opportunity and support. In a country where women's rugby has often been sidelined, these women are not just playing a sport, they are breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative of what is possible.
Kenya has long sought to qualify for the prestigious HSBC Sevens Series, a platform that has been elusive for the country since 2014. The dream of joining the elite ranks of international rugby has often felt just out of reach. Yet, in the face of adversity, the Lionesses have never given up. Despite struggling mentally with complacency at times, Head Coach Dennis Mwanja lauded the team’s unwavering resilience. “This is a team that has never achieved something like this before,” Mwanja said after the historic win. “This could be the best Lionesses team ever.”
The victory was no small feat. The Lionesses overcame tough competition in the group stages, with impressive 17-5 win over Belgium and a hard-fought 10-5 victory over Uganda. These triumphs set the stage for their semifinal showdown with Colombia later in the evening, with the team targeting a much-anticipated promotion to the HSBC Sevens Series.
At the heart of the Lionesses’ success are two remarkable women. Former captain Judith Okumu and current skipper Grace Okulu. Both have been instrumental in shaping the team’s rise to prominence, with Okumu’s leadership and experience providing invaluable guidance to the team, and Okulu’s vision and drive leading them into battle with fierce determination. The synergy between the two has been undeniable, as they have embodied the spirit of leadership and commitment that is central to the Lionesses' success.
Their achievement is all the more impressive when viewed against the backdrop of Kenya’s long struggle to support women’s rugby. In a country where women’s sports often do not receive the same level of attention and resources as their male counterparts, the Lionesses have had to overcome systemic obstacles, from limited funding to social attitudes that have undervalued the role of women in sports. Yet, through sheer perseverance, they have shown that women in rugby can achieve greatness, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
This victory represents more than just a title, it represents a significant step forward for women’s rugby in Kenya. It is a beacon of hope and a message that when women are given the chance to succeed, they will rise to the occasion. The Lionesses' win is not just a win for the team, but a win for all women who dare to dream big and fight for their place in the world of sports.
As the Lionesses prepare for their semifinal clash with Colombia, they do so with the eyes of the world on them. The journey to the HSBC Sevens Series is still long, but with the determination, resilience and heart they have shown, there is little doubt that they are capable of achieving even greater things. On this International Women’s Day, the Lionesses of Kenya have proven that when women rise together, they can achieve the impossible.
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