By BS Mulavi
The Safaricom Sevens has been slated for between September 21 and 23 and the Kenya Rugby Union and main sponsors Safaricom are expecting a massive event.
Speaking at the RFUEA Grounds on Monday morning during the official launch of the tournament, Safaricom’s Nzioka Waita praised the strides the tournament has made over the past sixteen years and claimed that the games have now become a-must feature in the diary of every staunch rugby fan.
“As title sponsors, we are working closely with the Kenya Rugby Union to raise the standards of this event so that we can finally realise the dream of being incorporated into the International Rugby Board Sevens circuit,” said Waita.
Support tourney
“We are therefore calling on the Government to support this tournament because incorporation into the top circuit would massively boost Kenya’s Sports tourism.”
The IRB circuit has been steadily growing and with only South Africa included as a host city from Africa, Kenya has been pushing to have their agenda heard.
The Safaricom Sevens has been used to show that Kenya is indeed ready to host a major tournament and has the capacity to do it well.
Superior venue
In their shove to show their capability, the Kenya Rugby Union shifted the tournament from its traditional venue at the RFUEA Grounds to Nyayo National Stadium claiming that its central location and large capacity make it a superior venue.
Also speaking at the event, KRU chairman Mwangi Muthee said: “The tournament has grown in leaps and bounds and our main aim is for fans to get a great experience.”
“This year’s tournament will also provide fans with the chance to see a revamped Kenyan national team begin the quest for glory ahead of the 2012-2013 international sevens season, whose highlight will be the Rugby World Cup sevens to be held in Russia.”
The tournament is expected to host a star-studded Samurai side with All Blacks’ players, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Uganda, South Africa (Emerging Boks), Grenoble and British Army among a host of other teams.
