Kenya Rising Lionesses coach Knight Otuoma has paid tribute to the coaches who have shaped her rugby journey as she prepares to lead the country's women's rugby sevens team at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsOtuoma will guide Kenya's girls' sevens team at the global competition scheduled from Saturday, 31 October, to Friday, 13 November.She credited the late Felix ‘Ade’ Oloo, Dennis Mwanja, Malik Ndemi, Mitch Ocholla and Simon Odongo for playing a significant role in her development as a coach.How Kenyan International Amaitsa influenced Agonda's rugby careerThe Kenya Lionesses forward described the opportunity to lead the Rising Lionesses at the Youth Olympics as a privilege, dedicating the milestone to the mentors who have guided her throughout her career.“I feel incredibly happy and grateful for the opportunity to coach these young athletes at such a big stage. It is a privilege, and I would encourage everyone to never stop dreaming,” Otuoma started.“I dedicate this milestone to all the coaches who have guided me throughout my journey, from the late Ade to Mitch Ocholla, Coach Malik, Dennis Mwanja and Coach Simon. They have all played a role in shaping the coach I am today,” she continued.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027921##Having played for Kisumu RFC and Impala before progressing to the national team, Otuoma has witnessed the growth of women's rugby in Kenya and believes the progress made over the years is encouraging for the next generation.“Women's rugby has grown tremendously. Looking back at my journey, from Kisumu RFC to Impala and eventually the national team, I can confidently say the game has come a long way,” she added.The Rising Lionesses are stepping up their preparations for the November competition, where eight nations will battle for honours at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop in Dakar.Meet South Africa's fleet-footed beast who left fans in awe at 2026 Safari 7sKenya will compete in Pool A alongside hosts Senegal, Australia and China, while Pool B comprises the United States, Spain, Madagascar and the Czech Republic.The team has completed an intensive training programme focusing on physical conditioning, technical skills, tactical preparation and team bonding as it seeks to make a strong impression on the international stage.Otuoma expressed confidence in the team's readiness, pointing to the time spent in camp and the progress made in key areas of their game.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027950##“We are well prepared. We have been in camp for the past five weekends, working on our defence, attack and individual skills. The girls have also gelled well as a team, which is encouraging heading into the tournament,” she said.As part of their preparations, the team departed on Monday, 12 October, for an Olympic Solidarity training camp and tournament in Tunisia, scheduled to run until Monday, 19 October. The trip is expected to provide valuable international exposure ahead of the Dakar assignment.Beyond the pursuit of medals, Otuoma wants her players to enjoy the experience of competing at an Olympic event while embracing the values that she believes underpin a successful team.Talanta Stadium confirmed for first major international sporting eventThe coach has placed discipline, teamwork and enjoyment at the centre of her philosophy, insisting that the players' experience and personal growth will be just as important as their results.“Beyond winning trophies and medals, success for me would be seeing the girls enjoy themselves and have fun. If I see them playing with smiles on their faces and enjoying the experience, that alone will make me happy.Discipline, teamwork and having fun are the key things I want the girls to embrace. Those values are just as important as the results we achieve on the pitch,” she said.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027931##With Kenya set to face some of the world's promising young rugby talents, Otuoma also had a message for the players as they prepare for the challenge.“Keep working hard, remain disciplined, and never stop believing in yourself. If you stay committed to your goals, you will continue climbing the ladder,” she concluded.