Kenya Sevens and the National 7s Circuit have received a significant boost with a sponsorship deal worth Ksh 37 Million from SportPesa.
Out of the sponsorship amount, Shujaa is earmarked to receive Ksh 22 Million as they embark on their journey to reclaim a spot in the World 7s Series.
Kenya Sevens schedule
The upcoming Africa Cup, scheduled for September 16th and 17th, 2023, in Zimbabwe, holds immense importance for Shujaa as it serves as an Olympic qualifier and an opportunity to secure a place in the 2024 World Challenger Series.
The winners of the Challenger Series will earn a promotion to the prestigious World 7s Series.
Kenya Rugby Union announced, “SportPesa will also inject an additional Ksh 22,000,000 into Shujaa, providing crucial support for their buildup and preparations to return to the global stage. As they make their mark, the sponsorship amount will be reviewed and increased significantly year after year.”
Recognizing the need for a stronger National 7s Circuit to enhance Shujaa’s competitiveness, the sponsors have committed to an annual sponsorship of Ksh 15 Million for the circuit over the next three years.
National 7s Circuit Boost
This investment will bolster the circuit’s overall quality and ensure the participating clubs receive up to Ksh 1,000,000 to organize successful tournaments.
Furthermore, participants of the National 7s Circuit can look forward to handsome prize money totalling up to Ksh 2,500,000 across the circuit.
The increased financial incentives will undoubtedly motivate teams to showcase their talent and compete fiercely in each tournament.
SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri, expressed their commitment to support both the national team and local clubs, saying, “We are confident that with the right leadership in place, we will witness budding talent emerge from the SportPesa 7s circuit. Our unwavering support and strong commitment serve as a driving force to transform this vision into a reality.”
Kenya Rugby Union Chairman, Alexander Mutai, commended SportPesa’s long-standing association with rugby and expressed excitement about the partnership.
“As a new office, we are determined to regain our position on the world stage as soon as possible. This collaboration with SportPesa signifies the beginning of greater things to come, starting with the #7sCircuit,” said Mutai.
The highly anticipated 2023 National 7s Circuit is set to kick off with the Dala 7s at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu City, on July 1-2.
Following the Dala 7s, the circuit will head to the coastal city of Mombasa for the Driftwood 7s at the Mombasa Sports Club on July 8-9.
The excitement will briefly pause as the World Rugby U20 Trophy takes place in Nairobi from July 15 to July 30.
The third round, the Prinsloo 7s, will electrify Nakuru City, hosted at the Nakuru Athletic Club on August 5-6.
The Christie 7s, held at Nairobi’s RFUEA Ground on August 12-13, will see top teams battle it out for glory.
Nairobi will once again take the spotlight as the circuit reaches its climax with the George Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial 7s on September
National 7s Circuit 2023
Dala 7s | Kisumu | 1/2 July
Driftwood 7s | Mombasa | 8/9 July
Prinsloo 7s | Nakuru | 5/6 August
Christie 7s | Nairobi | 12/13 August
Tisap 7s | Eldoret | 2/3September
Kabeberi 7s | Nairobi | 9/10 September
