Kenya and SA’s province to play rugby test match

BY ERICK OCHIENG’

Bamburi Cement MD Hussein Mansi signs a dummy cheque for the Super Series. Looking on are KRU CEO Jack Okoth (right), KRU chairman Mwangi Muthee and Bamburi head of corporate affairs, Susan Maingi. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Kenya Rugby Union(KRU) and Bamburi Cement have announced an international test match for Kenya  against South Africa’s Western Province for Nairobi on Madaraka Day.

 KRU chairman Mwangi Muthee also announced that the 2014 Bamburi Rugby Super Series will be used to provide players for the 15s national team that is currently in South Africa for the Vodacom Cup tournament.

“By securing the high profile match, Bamburi Cement is showing commitment to promoting rugby in this country,” said Bamburi Cement Managing Director Hussein Mansi.

Muthee said he’s hopeful the Kenya versus Western Province match will be a great show as it will be the last match to gauge the national team before it heads to Madagascar for the World Cup qualifiers.

“I wish to hail the very good start by our national 15s side that made history by winning their first ever Vodacom Cup match in Cape Town on Saturday, beating Eastern Province Kings 17-10,”said Muthee.

“This Saturday, they return to action against South Western District Eagles and I take this opportunity to wish them well,” said Muthee, who graced the official launch of the 2014 Bamburi Super Series yesterday in Nairobi.

Sponsorship for this year’s series edition has been increased by Sh6.5 million from last year’s Sh13.5 million. Mansi explained that Sh15million will be given to KRU in cash while the remaining Sh5 million will be all in kind.

The tournament will comprise of four franchises in Kenya and two in Uganda and will see five match days being progressively held in five different towns in Kenya and Uganda.