Hosting rugby and polo derbies good for Kenya

Kenyan sports lovers are in for a thrilling weekend. Besides the weekly football buzz, rugby and equestrian sports will spice up this weekend’s sporting menu.

Top of the billing is the Safaricom-sponsored Safari Sevens that has brought in teams from as far as Samoa, Fiji, Belgium and England and also from closer home in Rwanda.

Kenyan schools and academy sides will also have a chance to showcase their talent in a global stage that not only assures sports pedigree, but will pump some value into the economy.

Coming shortly before the kickoff of the 2013/14 IRB circuit in Gold Coast next month, Kenyans are hoping that the tournament will be used to midwife a transition from the world-class but tiring team of Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera and Lavin Asego group to a younger generation that will take Kenya to the next level.

We also hope Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU), which has worked really hard to not just develop but professionalise the sport, will look seriously into the small matter of the national coach now that Kenya Airways has generously offered to take care of that.

Meanwhile, the second weekend of International Polo is going on at Jamhuri Park. Another sporting thriller, which has seen the participation of four professional polo players from South Africa, the local sports scene cannot ask for more excitement.

The two international tournaments are testimony to the fact that Kenya is a key player in global sport.