“We’ve Travelled Abroad, Carrying the Kenyan Flag, and Now the World Is Coming to Us”

Kenya Lionesses Captain Sheila Chajira, a double Olympian with over a decade in national Sevens, speaks ahead of the historic HSBC SVNS Division Two tournament in Nairobi.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – There ought to be a special chapter for Sheila Chajira in the story of the rise of women’s rugby in Kenya.

 

A double Olympian with 10 years as a national Sevens team player, a club coach, and a trained strength and conditioning coach, she has seen it all in the game.

 

Now, Chajira is set to be part of another unique milestone in her glorious career, captaining the Kenya Lionesses at the historic HSBC SVNS Division Two tournament in Nairobi this weekend, February 14 and 15.

 

It is the first time an African country outside South Africa will host a leg of this glamorous international Sevens competition, which is staged in different cities across the world throughout the season.

 

“It’s an incredibly proud moment for us as players,” Chajira tells Rugby Africa Media.

 

“It’s a statement about how far the game has grown in our country and on the continent. For years, we’ve travelled abroad, carrying the Kenyan flag, and now the world is coming to us. As players, it motivates us deeply because we know we are part of history. Not just for our team, but for future generations of Kenyan girls who dream of playing rugby on the biggest stage.”

 

Kenya Women qualified for the SVNS Division Two after a gallant performance saw them beat continental powerhouse South Africa 17–14 in the final of a play-off tournament in the United States last May.

 

“That tournament in the US was a defining moment for us,” Chajira remarks.

 

“We went there knowing what was at stake, and the belief within the squad was very strong. Winning the play-off tournament showed our growth as a team, both mentally and physically. Beating South Africa along the way made it even more special because they are a very strong and experienced side. It proved that when we trust our systems, work for each other, and stay disciplined, we can compete with and beat the top teams. Qualifying early also gave us confidence and allowed us to plan better as we built towards bigger goals.”

 

Kenya’s heroics in the US marked the East Africans’ third straight win over the Springbok Women’s Sevens team, a remarkable period of dominance over the record African champions.

 

To Chajira, who plays prop and hooker in Sevens, that memorable run was no fluke.

 

“Those wins didn’t happen by accident,” she comments.

 

“We studied South Africa well, trusted our speed and skill set, and backed ourselves in key moments. Beating them three times in a row showed that the gap had closed and that Kenyan women’s rugby belongs at that level. For us as players, it reinforced the mindset that no opponent is unbeatable if we prepare well and play with confidence.”

 

Fresh from a high-intensity preparation tour of Spain, where Kenya fine-tuned their game against strong opposition, the Lionesses can’t wait to compete in front of the passionate Nyayo Stadium crowd this weekend.

 

“Playing at home brings a different kind of energy because we feel the support even before the tournament begins,” Chajira says.

 

“The focus has been on conditioning, execution, and sharpening our decision-making under pressure. On the field, our main target is to be competitive in every match, stay disciplined, and play our brand of rugby. We want to make Kenyans proud by showing fight, unity, and growth – and of course, to push ourselves as far as possible in the tournament.”

 

Chajira is a veteran of many Sevens tournaments for Kenya, including appearances at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020. She also represents her county in the longer Fifteens format as a loose forward and centre.

 

At 32, with an international career spanning over a decade, Chajira is still going strong and remains motivated to lead and guide the next generation.

 

“Being able to mentor younger players and watch the game grow has been one of the most satisfying parts of my career,” she says.

 

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and even prouder of the progress Kenyan women’s rugby has made. I believe my journey reflects dedication, perseverance, and a deep love for the game.”

Written by Enock Muchinjo