NAIROBI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's sevens team hopes to emulate China and win next year's qualification as a core team in the women's World Rugby Sevens series.

The team's performance in Hong Kong showed that they have closed the gap on continental rivals South Africa – except in one area, fitness.

"China strung together six unbeaten games to win in Hong Kong. We are also aiming for similar results next year. However, we start our campaign with the Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast and hopefully we will emerge with a medal," said head coach Kevin Wambua.

Kenya's defeat to South Africa in the Hong Kong semi-finals, having been ahead, was reminiscent of their performances in the World Series where promising performances early in matches were often let down in the final minutes.

Although their performance in Hong Kong will have boosted confidence, the loss of Janet Awino – one of their leading players - was a blow.

"Overall, the performance by the team was superb, though we didn't win it, we went a step further from last year and picked up plenty of positives and experience which will be vital for us as we head into the Commonwealth Games," said Wambua.

As with South Africa, progress to the semi-finals seems unlikely – so the key game will be their match against the South Africans on Saturday.

China won the qualification battle and will be one of the core teams in the 2018-2019 season in the women's World Series.

Kenya's Squad: Philadelphia Olando (captain), Sheila Chajira, Grace Adhiambo, Judith Auma, Sinaida Aura, Doreen Remour, Celestine Masinde, Linet Moraa, Rachel Mbogo, Janet Okello, Camila Cynthia, Stacey Awuor.