Safari Sevens: Shujaa Out For A Succesive Three-Peat As Lionesses Seek To Reclaim Title 

_{From, Left: Utility player Faith Livoi, scrum half Samuel Asati, KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti, winger Freshia Awino and fly half Nygel Amaitsa at the cheque hand over ceremony held in Nairobi on Tuesday September24, 2024. PHOTO/ KBL}

NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Shujaa are looking for a successive three-peat victory in the 2024 Safari Sevens tournament slated for Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on October 11-13.

Other already confirmed men’s teams are the Kenya Morans, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Qatar and UK sides; Shogun Rugby, Tropic 7s and the Mayotte.

The confirmed women’s lien up has defending champions Uganda, Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Tropic 7s, Spanish Barbarians and the Shogun.

On Tuesday, the tournament received a Sh22 Million boost from the Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) in Nairobi to cater for logistics.

” It was great being a champion of the tournament in my debut last year, we are preparing well and we are hopeful to successfully defend the trophy in Machakos,” Kenya Shujaa fly half Nygel Amaitsa told Standard Sports.

“I had five tries last season, this year I’m aiming to double that effort in the competition,” Amaitsa added.

His sentiments were echoed by scrum half Samuel Asati who also has guided Shujaa to victories since his debut in the in the contest in 2022.

“My plan is to use the event to step up my fitness for other future international outings lined up for Kenya Shujaa. I hope to add grip to the team the same way I have been doing so in the last two editions,” said Asati.

Freshia Awino and Faith Livoi are also inspired ahead of the tournament after guiding the Kenya Lionesses to a 63-19 victory against Madascar in a test match held at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi last Friday.

“I featured for Kenya Cubs in the Safari 7s last year where we emerged third overall, this year my hope is to play for the Kenya Lionesses, I believe I have what it takes to propel them to victory,” said Awino who features for the Nakuru RFC locally.

Livoi believes her utility role will add depth into the Kenya Lionesses who finished second behind Uganda Cranes in the tournament last year.

“This year, we have promised to bring our ‘A’ to Machakos, the women’s trophy has to remain in Kenya,” declared Livoi.

 KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti expressed their pride in being part of Kenya’s rugby story saying: “We are thrilled to once again be involved in this prestigious tournament. Rugby holds a special place in our hearts, and we are proud to continue our legacy of supporting the Safari Sevens.

 “This support reaffirms our continued commitment to the growth and development of rugby in Kenya. We see this as an opportunity to contribute to both the present and the future of the sport, helping to nurture the next generation of talent while also providing fans with an exciting, unforgettable experience.”

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Sasha Mutai welcomed the partnership with the sponsors acknowledging the significant role the support has played in the  growth of Kenya’s rugby over the years.

“The support has been very instrumental in elevating the tournament to the level it enjoys today,” Muitai noted. 

Mutai also highlighted the importance of the sponsorship in ensuring the smooth running of the tournament, especially given the logistical challenges involved in hosting an event of such scale.

“Organizing the Safari Sevens is no small feat. We are welcoming teams from across the globe, and there are many aspects of the event that require substantial financial support. This sponsorship will go a long way in covering key costs, from team logistics to ensuring top-quality entertainment for the fans. Our aim is to create an atmosphere that rugby enthusiasts will cherish forever,” he added.

Teams so far confirmed for the 2024 Safari Sevens 

Men’s Teams: 

Kenya Shujaa (defending champions)

Kenya Morans

Uganda

Zimbabwe

Qatar

Shogun Rugby

Tropic 7s Mayotte

Women’s Teams

Kenya Lionesses

Kenya Cubs

Uganda (Defending champions)

Zimbabwe

Tunisia

Tropic 7s

Spanish Barbarians

Shogun Rugby

PHOTOS/JONAH ONYANGO