Several international teams have arrived in Nairobi ahead of the 23rd edition of the Safari 7s, set to take place in Machakos this weekend. Kenya Rugby Union Vice Chairman Moses Ndale said all preparations are in place for a spectacular rugby event.
“Preparations have been good, especially for the Shujaa and Lionesses teams, as well as the Morans and the Lionesses cubs. The preparations in Machakos are also going well. Some of our secretariat members have been going down there to ensure the pitch is up to standard, and from the photos shared with the local organizing committee, we’re happy with it. I believe everything will be great in Machakos,” Ndale said.
International sides like Shogun rugby, formerly known as Samurai, have already arrived, along with neighbors Uganda and Zimbabwe. Ndale noted that although they had invited more international teams, late travel arrangements prevented them from participating this year.
“We were expecting a number of international teams. Zimbabwe and Uganda have already landed. We also invited Boca and Spain, but we were supposed to handle all their requirements, like flights, hotels, and local travel. Unfortunately, we were too late with the arrangements. We’re hoping to bring those teams in next year, as we believe next year will be bigger than this one,” he said.
Ndale encouraged rugby fans to pack Machakos in support of the local teams.
“Fans should expect exciting rugby. Shujaa will be there, of course, and the Morans will also compete. Remember, the Lionesses lost to Uganda last year, and I’m sure they’ll be aiming to bring the trophy back home. I believe we will witness great rugby this weekend,” he added.
He continued, “Kenya Harlequins, who are the champions of the local sevens circuit, will also have something to prove. It’s going to be a great rugby weekend, and I urge the fans to show up in large numbers to enjoy the game and meet the players they’ve been watching on TV. This is also a chance to show support to the local teams.”
The pools for the weekend’s tournament have been announced, with Kenya’s flagship team Shujaa headlining Pool A alongside Zimbabwe, Lions Rugby, Qatar, and the Varsity Select team.
Pool B will feature Uganda against Kenya’s second-string team, the Morans, along with National Sevens Circuit champions Kenya Harlequins, Shogun Rugby, and Red Wailers.
Shujaa, the defending champions in the men’s elite category, will be cautious of Shogun Rugby, formerly Samurai, who will be led by ex-Shujaa coach Mike “Otoyo” Friday. Friday last won the Safari 7s title in 2015, when he guided Shogun (Samurai) to victory over Shujaa with a 20-19 win.
In the women’s category, Kenya’s Lionesses will face off against Shogun Ladies, Uganda, Kenya Cubs, and Uganda 2 in a bid to reclaim the title they lost to Uganda last year. The Ladies tournament will be played in a round-robin format.
