Jalango beat Mutai to KRU Vice Chairman position

By John Lawrence

Mean Machine playing against KCB. Nakuru will host the 10-A-Aside Top Fry Great Rift rugby tournament in April. [PHOTO: MAXWELL AGWANDA and JENNIPHER WACHIE/STANDARD]

Rugby fans are in for a treat during the Easter Holiday period when the 24th Edition of Top Fry Great Rift 10-A-Side tournament kicks off in Nakuru on April 18-20.

The event was launched yesterday at the Standard Media Group offices along Mombasa Road by Nakuru Rugby Football Club’s (NRFC) Chairman Ali Aljabri, Standard Media Group’s Head of Marketing Doreen Mbaya alongside Robin Toskin, Associate Editor at our sister publication, GameYetu.

“The tournament kicks off with the schools category on April 18 with 16 secondary and primary institutions confirming participation. The main competition will have 32 teams including all Kenya Cup teams made up of the reigning champions KCB, Harlequin, Strathmore and hosts Nakuru Top Fry,” said Ali.

Ali also emphasised that the main highlight of the weekend will be the traditional NaxVegas extravaganza, during which various rugby lovers and couples will wed.

Couples chapel

“Nakuru is famously refered to as NaxVegas and in the spirit, we will be having a chapel within the grounds where couples will simply walk in and tie the knot; after which they will be issued with a marriage certificate, only valid within the grounds,” explained Ali.

Doreen Mbaya lauded the Nakuru RFC team for keeping the sport alive, saying GameYetu will serve as the Media sponsor of the tournament. It  will also provide an opportunity for the fans to interact with other Standard Media Group brands like KTN, Radio Maisha, The Standard newspaper, Standard Digital Entertainment and The Nairobian.

Also present during the launch was Standard Group’s Head of PDS Jullie Kisaka.

While giving an undertaking of the group’s commitment towards the development of sports in the country Doreen said; “Rugby fans should check out all these media channels to keep up with updates on the tournament as well as for the chance to win free tickets.”

Family treat

“We have also introduced an alcohol free section and a kids’ entertainment village to encourage more families to attend.”

Ali pointed out that the local police force will provide a round-the-clock security patrol during the Easter weekend to ensure safety of all fans.

Toskin underscored the efforts made by Nakuru RFC towards the installation of floodlights, which Ali said will be used to hold veterans touch rugby for the first time in the history of the event.

“This is our third year as Media sponsors to Rift Valley’s greatest rugby tourney and it’s worth noting each year the tournament gets bigger, and so is our partnership. GameYetu has positioned itself as East Africa’s fastest growing All-Sport newspaper and we are very proud to be associated with Nakuru RFC,” said Toskin.

Organisers announced gate charges of Sh300 redeemable with a selection of any Menengai Oil Products.  — [email protected]

By AFP 8 hrs ago
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