Lionesses ace Janet 'Shebesh' Okello confident ahead of 2024 Challenger Series

Kenya Lionesses ace Janet Okello is beaming with confidence ahead of the first leg of the 2024 HSBC Challenger Series to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 12-14 January.

Okello, who is part of the 12-member squad that will be traveling to Dubai, told SportPesa News in an exclusive interview that the team is well prepared for the games.

She added that the girls will take the golden chance to qualify for one of the biggest stages in women’s rugby.

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“It’s a good opportunity for the ladies to participate so that we can get a chance to play on the big stage (World Series),” stated Okello.

When asked how the recent residential camp held at St. Andrews Turi helped the squad, Okello said that the relationship between the team members has become stronger. 

“I believe it was a good thing for the team to bond and have a great time together for the hard task ahead. Bonding is very important for a team sport,” explained the experienced player, who currently plays for Japanese-based side Pearls Women's Rugby Football Club.

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The Lionesses have been grouped in Pool B alongside North American nation Mexico, China and Czechia.

According to Okello, the Chinese Ladies will be one of their strongest opponents in the eagerly awaited competition. 

“From my point of view China will be a bit hard opposition, but I believe the girls will go to this tournament ready for anyone,” she ended.

Lionesses are expected to start their campaign on Friday, January 12 against China. The crunch clash is scheduled to kick off at 11:36 AM Kenyan time. 

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The Dennis Mwanja coached side will then lock horns with Czechia at 3:58 PM before completing the group fixtures against Mexico at 10:59 AM the following day.

Okello is among the most successful players in the history of Kenyan women’s rugby. The pacey winger was part of the team which graced Kenya’s maiden Olympic edition at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro edition.  

Some of the 31-year-old’s other achievements include being the first player to bag a try for Lionesses in the World Rugby Sevens and the top try scorer at both the 2015 and 2016 Kenya Rugby Union Women’s 10’s league.

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