The 26th edition of the Safari Sevens tournament is slated for today and tomorrow, with excitement palpable as all local and foreign teams gear up for bruising battles in Machakos County.
Kenyatta Stadium is set to come alive for this premier rugby event, with Kenya represented by the Shujaa team and the Lionesses.
This will be the first-ever Sevens Rugby event held outside the capital, with hundreds of traveling patrons expected to flock to the town popularly referred to as Masaku.
The Safari Sevens has long been a draw for top teams from around the globe, and the 2024 edition promises to uphold that reputation.
Both Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) officials and county officials, led by Mchakos County governor Wavinya Ndeti, have inspected the facility as preparations were finalized ahead of play.
Participating team
The men’s division has attracted 10 teams divided into two groups of five.
Kenya Shujaa, the defending 7s champions, are in a strong Pool A featuring Zimbabwe, Lions Rugby, Qatar and Varsity Select.
A tricky Pool B is headlined by Uganda, Morans, Kenya Harlequins (2024 Sportpesa National Sevens Circuit winners), Shogun and Red Wailers.
The women’s category will be played in a round-robin format.
The women’s teams include CostaBlanca, Shogun, Kenya Lionesses, Uganda Lady Cranes, Kenya Cubs and Uganda Ladies Select.
Action will kick today afternoon in Machakos, with both Shogun teams meeting Kenya Harlequins and Uganda respectively in both the men’s and women’s legs.
This year, Kenya Breweries Limited, the anchor brand Tusker, will sponsor the tournament to the tune of Sh22 million, serving as the official beverage and entertainment partner.
During the sponsorship announcement last month, the KRU Commercial Director stated, “Hosting the Safari Sevens in Machakos this year is strategic. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to showcase Kenya not just as a sporting nation but as an attractive top-notch tourist destination.”
With a history of dominance at the Safari Sevens, Kenya Shujaa has won the tournament a record ten times.
After party
Buoyed by recent success in the 2024 sevens circuit, Shujaa will be looking to add to their tally of overall wins in front of a home crowd.
Following the exhilarating matches, celebrations will continue with after-parties featuring an array of captivating performances.
The night will showcase acts by the renowned Kenyan afro-pop duo Vijana Baru Baru, local sensation Miama from Machakos and a selection of prominent DJs, including DJ Grauchi, Mish DJ, Daq Child and DJ JR.
