Judith Auma makes a break alongside Christabel Lindo during a recent match/HANDOUT  

Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo is confident the return of playmaker Judith Auma will provide a timely lift as the team heads into the HSBC Sevens Division Two series in Montevideo this weekend.

The Impala RFC half-back is back from a lengthy ankle injury layoff that ruled her out of the Safari Sevens, the Africa Cup Sevens, and the opening leg of the HSBC series held in Nairobi, where the Lionesses finished fifth.

Odongo believes Auma’s creativity and experience will be crucial in sharpening the team’s attack. “She will be a key asset for us. She has the experience, knows how to open up defences with her passing and vision, as well as her speed,” he said.

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The coach emphasised the need for a stronger showing after a below-par outing on home soil. “We need to bounce back from the opening leg, where we did not fire on all cylinders. We must get good results and stay in the hunt for promotion to Division One by the end of the series,” he added.

However, the Lionesses will miss the services of talisman Grace Okulu, who is unavailable due to club commitments with Racing 92. Despite her absence, Odongo remains optimistic.

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“Unfortunately, she will not be available, but we are a team. The next available player has to step up, perform, and ensure we win,” he noted.

The coach, who also serves as an assistant at Quins, said the team has worked on key areas such as kickoff reception and decision-making—issues that proved costly in Nairobi.

“We have improved in those areas. This competition is intense, and the girls know they have to perform better,” he said. With chilly, rainy conditions expected in Uruguay, Odongo expressed confidence in the team’s adaptability. “We have been preparing in similar conditions in Nairobi and will acclimatise accordingly,” he explained.

Kenya opens its campaign against China on Saturday before facing Argentina and Spain later in the day. On Sunday, they take on South Africa and Brazil. After the Montevideo leg, the Lionesses will travel to São Paulo for the final round scheduled for March 28–29, where promotion hopes will be decided.