Kenya Lionesses Set for Epic Final Against South Africa at 2025 Africa Women’s 7s

Naomi’s last-minute try secured a dramatic 17–10 victory for the Kenya Lionesses over their long-time rivals, Uganda’s Lady Cranes, booking them a spot in today’s Main Cup final of the 2025 Africa Women’s 7s at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. Earlier in the day, South Africa’s Lady Blitzboks made a statement of intent, steamrolling Madagascar 29–0 in the semi-finals to set up a highly anticipated clash against the hosts.

South Africa, Africa’s giants and 11-time champions, entered the tournament seeking redemption after losing their core SVNS status. Their campaign in Nairobi marks the first step toward reclaiming a place among the continent’s elite, and the Lady Blitzboks looked every bit the force that lifted last year’s Africa Women’s Sevens title in Ghana. Their emphatic semi-final win over Madagascar confirmed they remain a formidable contender.

For Kenya, momentum is firmly on their side. The Lionesses have already secured a place in SVNS Division Two for 2026, riding high on the back of their thrilling 17–14 victory over South Africa in the SVNS Play-Off final in Los Angeles earlier this year. With Kenya’s Division Two slot confirmed, the focus this weekend is on prestige and silverware, as the highest-ranked team in Nairobi aside from the hosts will claim the coveted Division Three berth for next season.

History adds spice to today’s final. Kenya and South Africa have clashed four times this year, with the Lionesses triumphing in three of those encounters. Yet, in Africa Women’s Sevens finals, the Lady Blitzboks have often had the upper hand: they defeated Kenya 17–10 in last year’s Ghana final and edged them 12–7 in the 2023 decider. Kenya are chasing their first title since 2018, when they beat Uganda 29–7 in Gaborone, Botswana, while South Africa look to defend their crown.

Speaking ahead of the final, Kenya captain Sheila Chajira said, “We hope to write a different script this time round. We have never beaten South Africa in the Africa Cup, and we want to change that.”

The Kenyan squad boasts star power with France-based Grace Okuku and Japan-based Janet Okello leading the charge, giving the hosts both experience and international pedigree.

South Africa coach Cecil Afrika acknowledged the stakes, adding, “There’s massive pressure on us and we know a lot is at stake.”

With both teams bringing a mix of skill, strategy, and history to the pitch, the final promises to be a high-octane contest.

As the Lionesses and the Lady Blitzboks meet at 4pm EAT, the question looms: will Kenya’s current form see them overturn history for a home victory, or will South Africa’s experience and pedigree prevail for a third consecutive final win over the hosts? The RFUEA Grounds are set to host an electrifying showdown, with African women’s rugby firmly in the spotlight.