Lionesses include one debutant in Dubai Sevens squad

Captain Kenya Lionesses Philadelphia Olando during the naming of solid Kenya Lioness squad that will face Ghana in their Olympic Qualifier match next weekend. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Enid Ouma of Homeboyz Ladies is in line to make her Kenya Lionesses debut after she was named in the national team squad for next week’s Dubai Sevens women’s invitational tournament.

Ouma’s inclusion is the only change made to the team that qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games last month with coach Felix Oloo lauding her commitment.

Ouma has been called up as a replacement for Janet Owino who has failed to make the cut.

“She has been very committed both on and off the pitch and I am really keen on expanding our depth not only in training but also in competitive fixtures,” Oloo said yesterday.

At the invitational showpiece, the Lionesses have been drawn alongside Japanese sides Tokyo Phoenix and Aruka Queen Kumagaya as well as France Sevens Development and Belgian outfit Belsevens.

“We have prepared to go and do our best so each and every player is focused on putting up a good performance in every department,” said Oloo.

Kenya, who are captained by Philadelphia Olando of Northern Suburbs, will use the tournament as part of their preparations for next year’s Hong Kong Sevens which will double up as a qualifier to the Women’s World Sevens Series.

Olando echoed her coach’s sentiments by saying they have played at the Dubai Sevens before and the experience will come in handy in this year’s edition.