Former Kenya Sevens captain Humphrey Kayange is confident the Rising Lionesses will make a strong impression at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsHis confidence stems from the valuable experience they gained at the Safari 7s and an international training camp in Tunisia.The young Kenyan side impressed at the Safari 7s despite their inexperience, registering a victory over TUKS Women while showing resilience against established sides Kenya Shibli, Tunisia, and Kenya Lionesses.##NAJAVA_MECA_10047210##Their performances offered an early glimpse of their potential ahead of the Youth Olympics, where they will test themselves against some of the best young talent on the international stage.Kayange, who was named chairperson of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, believes the team's recent exposure has given them a solid foundation for the challenge ahead.“The Dakar team is the young women’s team, and you saw how they performed at the Safari 7s. They won a few games before heading to Tunisia for a training camp. With the experience they gained at the Safari 7s and what they learned during the camp, I believe they will represent themselves well. I am really excited for them and wish them all the best as they embark on this exciting journey,” he said.Following the Safari 7s, the Rising Lionesses travelled to Tunisia for an Olympic Solidarity training camp alongside teams from Tunisia, Senegal and Madagascar.Kenya Legends to face South Africa in historic 2027 seriesThe camp provided an opportunity to sharpen their tactics, improve set-piece execution and build team chemistry ahead of the continental showpiece.The Kenyans capped their preparations in style, defeating Madagascar 17-10 in the final to be crowned champions of the Solidarity Camp.Rising Lionesses squad member Milan Gatonye believes the exposure gained through the National 7s Circuit and the Safari 7s has played an important role in preparing the young players for international competition. Gatonye plays for Kiambaa Ladies.“We did not start the circuit on a high note because our opponents were very tough. However, we managed to get a win against Kenya Harlequin. We were still young and inexperienced, but as the circuit progressed, we matured and gained valuable experience,” Gatonye said.The 18-year-old, who has already competed at a high level, noted that starting rugby in high school has provided the players with important lessons about the game and the demands of elite competition.Specmagic reveals what makes Kenyan rugby uniqueShe also highlighted the value of facing established national team players, including Faith Livoi and Stellah Wafula, during the domestic circuit.“The experience we gained on the National 7s Circuit prepared us for the level of competition at the Safari 7s. It also helped prepare the players who are heading to the Dakar Youth Olympics. We competed against national team players such as Faith Livoi and Stellah Wafula, and playing against them really shaped our experience. It helped us learn, improve, and understand what it takes to compete at a higher level,” she added.##NAJAVA_MECA_10055859##Gatonye, who captained the Rising Lionesses at the Safari 7s, described the experience as a valuable milestone, particularly after guiding the team to victory over TUKS Women.“Captaining the Rising Lionesses was a great experience. We managed to pick up a win against TUKS Women, and that was really amazing,” she said.The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will run from Saturday, 31 October, to Friday, 13 November, in Senegal.