The national men’s rugby 7s team, Shujaa, is gearing up for a strong start to their World Rugby Series campaign at the upcoming leg in Dubai. Assistant coach Louis Kisia is optimistic about the team’s chances, especially considering that many teams are expected to be rusty in Dubai and Cape Town.
Kisia emphasized the importance of taking it one game at a time and focusing on getting good results. Shujaa is placed in Pool A alongside tough competition such as France, South Africa, and Australia. Despite the stature of these teams, Kisia is confident in Shujaa’s ability to face the challenge head-on.
In a significant development, Shujaa recently secured a sponsorship of Ksh 84.15 million from Sportpesa, a substantial increase from their previous sponsorship. This boost in funding is expected to motivate the team to train harder and strive for success on the field. Kisia highlighted how the players have dedicated themselves to representing their country with pride, even in adverse conditions.
Sportpesa’s CEO, Ronald Karauri, emphasized the importance of investing in sports to unlock its full potential. He called upon more corporates to support teams like Shujaa to ensure their sustained success. The partnership with Sportpesa will provide financial support to the players and improve their welfare through better contractual terms.
Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai, the chair of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), expressed his optimism about the new sponsorship deal and its impact on the players’ welfare. The improved contracts and salaries aim to motivate the players to perform at their best and achieve their goal of finishing in the top eight in the World Series.
However, Shujaa will have to navigate the upcoming tournaments without co-captains Tony Omondi and Vincent Onyala, who opted not to renew their contracts with the union. Despite their absence, the team is determined to put up a strong performance and make Kenya proud on the international stage.
As Shujaa prepares to kick off their World Rugby Series campaign in Dubai, the support from sponsors and fans alike will be crucial in fueling their success. With a renewed sense of determination and a strong team spirit, Shujaa aims to make a mark in the upcoming tournaments and showcase the talent and resilience of Kenyan rugby on a global platform.
