SportPesa, the titan of online gaming, has once again backed Kenya’s burgeoning rugby scene with a hefty sponsorship deal for the 2024 National Sevens Circuit. This marks the second year running that SportPesa will headline the series, having already made waves with its involvement in the previous season.
The announcement came amid much fanfare at the RFUEA Grounds, where sports and media personalities gathered to witness the unveiling of a Ksh16.5 million sponsorship package. SportPesa’s substantial investment not only secures the circuit’s branding rights as the SportPesa 7s but also cements its commitment to nurturing the sport across the nation.
Set to electrify fans over two thrilling months, the 2024 circuit will tour five cities, making stops in Kakamega, Kisumu, Mwamba, Mombasa, and Nakuru. Each leg promises a showcase of top-tier rugby talent, with clubs receiving a Ksh1 million boost to ensure spectacular events.
The action kicks off on July 27 with the Christie 7s in Nairobi, hosted by the Kenya Harlequin, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested tour. Teams from all divisions will vie for a total prize pool of Ksh2.2 million, distributed across the series. The crème de la crème of the men’s Division 1 teams will battle for top prizes of Ksh100,000, Ksh50,000, and Ksh25,000, while the Division 2 champions will take home Ksh50,000. Not to be outdone, the women’s teams will compete for prizes of Ksh70,000 for the winners and Ksh30,000 for the runners-up.
This partnership is more than just a financial boon; it’s a lifeline to local clubs and a catalyst for the sport’s growth in Kenya. By infusing the circuit with both capital and confidence, SportPesa is nurturing a fertile ground for rugby talent. The expected surge in popularity will not only elevate the sport’s profile domestically but also offer an invaluable platform for local athletes to shine on the national stage, ushering in a new era of rugby in Kenya.
