Philadelphia Olando leads the Lionesses at Tokyo Olympics
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Jul 05, 2021
Philadelphia Olando will captain the Kenya Lionesses rugby team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Orlando is one of three survivors from the squad that played at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Other players are Sheila Chajira and Janet Okello.
The Lionesses will be aiming to perform better and make their way out of Pool A where they will face New Zealand, Russia and Great Britain.
Head coach Felix Oloo gave an insight into squad selection, saying fitness, discipline and injuries played a role in selection.
"We based our selection criteria on attendance, discipline, medical assessment, player fitness as well as an understanding of the game and positional roles each player has. This is what guided our selection of the final 13 players," he said.
READ MORE
Ruto rewards Sawe Sh8m, car for breaking London marathon record
Over 300 people displaced as heavy rains batter Mombasa
New 2030 plan targets billions in financing for farmers and MSMEs
Maina named Vision 2030 acting director
New initiative to increase accessibility to spectacles launched
Kenya's path to first-world status requires civic reform
To get it right, let us start right: How Kenya can best reclaim Vision 2030
Murang'a leads counties in jobs, digital services
Indiza, Wakhu, Mediratta start early preps for 2027 MKO
Murang'a tops ranking as rural counties lag in service automation
"We also have a few players who missed out on the selection because they are yet to recover from injuries picked up in previous tournaments."
Oloo said they expect a tough outing after been pitted against some of the world’s great teams.
"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," he said.
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)