Philadelphia Olando leads the Lionesses at Tokyo Olympics

FILE: Captain Kenya Lionesses Philadelphia Olando [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

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.

"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)