Kenya’s national women’s beach handball team, the Sand Queens, is drawing inspiration from the Rising Lionesses following the women’s rugby team’s historic gold medal triumph at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The Sand Queens departed Nairobi for Dakar on Thursday morning, hoping to replicate the remarkable achievement of their compatriots, who defeated Australia 17-12 in the final to claim the gold medal and make history for Kenyan sport.
Led by head coach Caroline Nyadiero, the beach handball team is targeting a podium finish, with their sights firmly set on winning gold.
Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before their departure, Nyadiero said the Rising Lionesses’ victory had boosted the team’s morale and provided additional motivation ahead of the competition.
“The rugby team has really boosted our morale and it is a good challenge to us by winning the gold medal. They have surely hoisted our flag high, and for us, it is just to draw inspiration from that remarkable achievement.
“We are heading to Dakar with hope and determination that we are able to come back with a medal, and we have set our eyes on the gold medal. The win for the Rising Lionesses is a great motivation,” Nyadiero said.
Kenya has been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Senegal, Uruguay and France in the beach handball competition.
The team will begin its campaign against Uruguay at Saly Beach on November 9 before facing France later in the afternoon.
Nyadiero acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents but maintained that the team had studied their strengths and weaknesses and was prepared to compete for the top prize.
“We have monitored our opponents, and we know their weaknesses and strengths. The group looks tough on paper, but we are also determined to put in the work to achieve our target in the competition,” she added.
Team captain Mercy Wanyonyi, a student at St John’s Kaloleni in Kilifi County, echoed her coach’s confidence, saying the team had worked hard to address areas that needed improvement following their previous international assignment.
The Sand Queens finished second at the African Youth Games in Angola, an experience Wanyonyi believes has helped them prepare for the Dakar competition.
“We have prepared well since we left Angola, where we finished second in the African Youth Games. We have been working on our mistakes, especially defending and attacking. We want to improve our performance, and we want to make our country proud again in these Games,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s 15-year-old fencer Aliyah Makena also departed for Dakar on Thursday morning, where she will make her international debut on the world stage in the women’s épée fencing competition.
Coached by Georgina Mukami, Makena is hoping to deliver an impressive performance and leave a lasting impression in her maiden appearance at the global competition.
The young fencer acknowledged that the competition would be challenging but expressed confidence in her preparation and determination to represent the country with distinction.
“My goal in Dakar is to leave a lasting mark behind Kenya fencing and everyone in general. I know the competition will be tough because other competitors have prepared as well as I have, but for me, I carry a dream, and I am hoping to give a good show for my country,” Makena said.
The Kenya Women’s Beach Handball team, popularly known as the Sand Queens, comprises Pauline Achieng Musaa, Mercy Naswa Wanyonyi, Grace Bahati Simiyu, Lilian Charo Mwaka, Dorcus Kigasia, Mary Achieng Abogi, Sheryl Akinyi Juma, Neema Chembe, Phelesia Asami Amaya and Khadija Ali Furaha.
Technical bench:
- Head Coach: Caroline Nyadiero
- Assistant Coach: Victor Bwire
