Shujaa Captain Asati, Lionesses Ace Auma Assure They Will Successfully Defend Titles As Safari Sevens Gets Ksh 14 Million Sponsorship Boost From Tusker
From Left: Samuel Asati (Shujaa co-captain), Christine Kariuki (Head of Mainstream Beer, KBL), Judith Auma (Kenya Lionesses player), George Ooro (Shujaa co-captain). PHOTO/ KBL
The 28th edition of the international rugby showdown will be held on October 9-11 at the historic Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Shujaa captain Samuel Asati has assured that they will successfully defend the 28th edition of Safari Sevens rugby tournament set for Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on October 9-11.
The prolific skipper believes nothing will stop his side from guarding the coveted title owing to the calibre of players Shujaa have lined up ahead of the international showdown.
“Yes, definitely. No one will leave with the trophy. We will go home with it, again this year.
“Our fans expect much from us and we are very ready to deliver for them the promise again,” Asati said at a media function in Nairobi on Thursday where Kenya Breweries Limited, through its flagship brand Tusker, supported the upcoming tournament to a tune of Sh14 Million as official Alcohol Beverage and Entertainment Partners.
“I’m very confident of the crop of players that we have. We have been stepping up training for this event immediately after the National Sevens Circuit ended. Right now, we have gelled and are ready to roar. We have depth in the squad. Our new inclusions are already giving us value for money,” Asati said.
Asati feels Kenya Moran’s, who ended the championship in third place last season, might have an upper hand since a chunk of the squad have earned call up to the national team that is plying duty in Mauritius at the Africa Men’s Sevens this weekend.
But, nonetheless, Asati is still confident that Shujaa has what it takes to reclaim the Safari Sevens crown this season.
“We have the will power. We have the grit. We are very resilient. So I don’t think Morans will be able to beat us even though they are a step ahead with the Africa Men’s Sevens competition happening in Mauritius this week,” the Olympian said.
The 27 year old scrum half believes early preparations gave them the Safari Sevens trophy last season and is part of the game ritual Shujaa is following this year.
“Last year, we knew what we wanted and we had a game plan for it, so we went ahead and won the trophy. That’s what we are doing right now too in training,” he said.
Asati is hopeful that this season he will once again bag the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the tournament, a feat he said he managed to achieve through support from his team mates and understanding his role as a scrum-half of the team.
“As we head for the tournament, I feel we need to work on our attack and defence transitions. The quicker we are the better, ” he said.
On his message to Kenyan fans ahead of the tournament, Asati stated: ” You are amazing people.We love you. We cherish your massive turnouts. Once again this is your opportunity to come to the stadium to watch us live. Kindly buy the tickets and let’s meet at Nyayo Stadium during the tournament.”
Just like Asati, Kenya Lionesses player Judith Auma has assured that they will defend the women’s title at this year’s Safari Sevens that is expected to not only to be cutthroat but full of entertainment.
Meanwhile, under the partnership penned in Nairobi on Thursday, Tusker will serve as the Official Alcohol Beverage and Entertainment Partner of the 28th edition of the Safari Sevens, which will take place from 9 – 11 October at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
The sponsorship will support the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) in the organisation of the tournament, as well as in elevating the entertainment and fan experiences around the three-day competition.
The partnership builds on Tusker’s involvement in Kenyan rugby throughout the 2026 season, including its support of the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament, and the just-concluded National Sevens Circuit, where the brand sponsored all the legs of the competition.
Speaking during the sponsorship announcement at Tusker Brewhouse, Keza Mpyisi, Tusker Sports Brand Manager said the investment reflects Tusker’s continued commitment to supporting the growth of rugby in Kenya.
“Rugby has a special place in Kenya, and Tusker is proud to continue playing a role in the growth of the sport. Our Ksh 14 millioninvestment in Safari Sevens is about supporting the tournament and, importantly, helping create an experience that players and fans can enjoy. We are pleased to build on our involvement in the National Sevens Circuit and bring that support to one of the country’s biggest rugby events.”
Thomas Odundo, CEO, Kenya Rugby Union, welcomed Tusker’s support and assured that preparations for the tournament are well advanced, with the Union focused on ensuring all aspects of the event are in place ahead of the opening whistle.
“We are well prepared for this year’s Safari Sevens and the work towards the tournament has been progressing well. Our focus has been on ensuring that the teams, venues, match operations, officials and other logistical requirements are in place to deliver a tournament of the standard that Safari Sevens is known for. We are looking forward to welcoming the participating teams and fans to Nyayo and hosting what promises to be an exciting three days of rugby.”
With preparations continuing ahead of the tournament, Kenya Shujaa captain Samuel Asati said the team is focused on being ready for the challenge.
“We are preparing well and the team is focused on putting in a strong performance at Safari Sevens. Playing at home in front of our fans makes the tournament particularly important to us. We know the level of competition will be high because there are top teams coming in, so our focus is on preparation, and executing what we have worked on as a team.”
Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira said the tournament provides an important opportunity for the team to compete at home and continue building momentum.
“We are looking forward to Safari Sevens and are putting in the work to ensure we are ready. Playing at home gives us the opportunity to compete in front of our supporters, and that is something we value. It is also an important tournament for us as we continue to build as a team and compete against strong opposition.”
UTILITIES
-Kenya Shujaa beat Shogun (UK) 14-7 to win last year’s men’s title
Kenya Lionesses beat Uganda 14-10 to win the women’s title
-Men’s third place (bronze) went to Kenya Morans
-Keny Shujaa captain Samuel Asati emerged Most Valuable Player of the tournament
