Sustained leadership is as crucial as individual talent, for the Kenya Lionesses, veteran players Sheila Chajira and Naomi Amuguni are giving younger teammates visible pathways and steady hands as the squad pursues continental and global success.

Seasoned Campaigners at the Forefront

Sheila Chajira, named co-captain of the Lionesses for the upcoming Africa Women’s Sevens in Nairobi, brings not only years of international experience but also the mindset of a mentor. Her leadership has been central to maintaining the team’s composure in big moments with a career spanning Olympic sevens participation, national fifteen-a-side competitions and top-level coaching.

Naomi Amuguni has likewise anchored Kenya’s defence and scored decisive tries in key tournaments, including a try against Argentina that helped the Lionesses secure a title in the 2025 World Rugby HSBC Challenger Series first leg. Together, they embody the technical discipline, leadership and belief that have kept the Lionesses competitive on the global stage.

Mentorship Through Action

Veteran players like Chajira and Amuguni show both veteran and younger squad members what consistency and discipline look like in practice. Enid Ouma noted of Chajira, “She has been my pillar of climbing the ladders … we have been pushing each other.”

This peer mentorship goes beyond training. It is a living example of women raising women. It builds belief for women in sport, in a system where leadership is earned and shared, giving the next generation not only role models but proof that success in women’s rugby is achievable.

A Platform for Representation and Growth

The Lionesses’ recent performances even in the 15s side of the game,  underline what experienced leadership delivers. At the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, Kenya secured silver, their forwards led by Chajira and Amuguni laying down a marker in many key victories.
At the same time, these players carry the weight of a wider reality. Women’s sport in Kenya continues to thrive on limited support. The Lionesses are currently sponsored through a confirmed KSh 90 million partnership between M-Pesa, Safaricom and the Kenya Rugby Union covering both the men’s and women’s sevens teams for the next two years. Yet, investment in the women’s game still lags behind the men’s side and the demands of modern professional sport.
Kenyan women continue to dominate globally in fencing, football, archery, athletics, volleyball,  rugby and more, but the pathways that produce them often rely on community effort and personal sacrifice. They carry the institutional memory of under-recognised teams striving for resources,yet they keep fighting for every opportunity to represent the country.

Naomi Amuguni captured this perfectly when she said, “There’s nothing like it can’t be for you … if you have a passion in it, venture into it and see the journey.”
Chajira added, “We are always very excited to play in the final … there we’re not only representing Kenya but also Africa.”

These words echo what many women athletes in Kenya experience, the pride of representation but underneath always the persistent call for equity in opportunity and investment. Organisations like DBA Africa are stepping in to fill structural gaps in sports development, but still for every medal or trophy, there is a story of underfunded preparation and overlooked potential.

Let’s Build the Future Together

With the Africa Women’s Sevens returning to Kenya this weekend at the KRFUEA Grounds, the moment is ripe to renew our support and recognition. DBA Africa invites fans, partners and supporters to come watch the games live, cheer on the Lionesses and show tangible support for women in sport.

Supporters can also purchase the official DBA Africa supporters’ shirt to stand with the team and the women driving the game forward.

Through structured programmes and partnerships, DBA Africa continues to ensure that potential meets opportunity and that women athletes across Africa are not only seen but supported.