By Bs Mulavi

Kenya national women rugby team coach Kevin Wambua is in high spirits ahead of the Women’s CAR Africa Cup Sevens taking place in Tunisia on April 20-21.

Speaking at the RFUEA ground where he named the squad that will take part in the tournament, Wambua was evidently optimistic  the team will put in their best effort in the continental games.

“We’re looking forward to this training camp and the tournament. These are great strides taken by the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) to bridge the gap in women’s rugby on the African continent. This will no doubt go a long way in improving tstandard of the women’s game not only in Kenya but Africa too,” he said.

The former Mwamba player has already set his sights on bigger challenges and he hopes that this tournament will be used as a stepping stone for his team, “We will use this tournament to evaluate our progress and start preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We want to win this tournament, and hope that the International Rugby Board (IRB) notices us and includes us in the women’s IRB Sevens Series.”

Other teams in Tunisia for the training camp and tournament are South Africa, Tunisia, Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The team arrived in Tunisia on Friday and the spot light will be on the side to match the expectations that come with the brand, Kenya.

The Men’s sevens team is considered to be a rugby powerhouse in the world and Africa would be an easy challenge for them. The women will have to fill the big boots that has been left by their male counterparts with the view of receiving better sponsorship and attention from the Kenya Rugby Union and the government.

Meanwhile, the 2013 CAR Africa Cup Sevens for men will be hosted in Mombasa on April 27-28, just a week after the women’s tournament.

Kenya squad to Tunisia

Doreen Remour (Captain), Janet Awuor, Rachel Adhiambo, Linda Anyango, Philadelphia Olando, Mary Otieno, Linda Nandwa, Irene Atieno, Angela Olum, Mary Musieka, Celestine Masinde and Catherine Abila

Management: Kevin Wambua (Head Coach), Enos Otieno (Assistant Coach), Doris Mwanzia (Team Manager)