Webester Nyandika

BLAZE by Safaricom has boosted the annual 15-aside Impala Floodies Rugby Tournament with a sponsorship of Sh3 million, up from last year’s Sh1.8 million.

The tourney, set to take place on three consecutive weekends, on September 28, October 5 and October 12, at Impala Grounds, will be marking 38 years in 2019 while BLAZE by Safaricom will be celebrating the fourth year in a row it has sponsored the competition.

“BLAZE seeks to continuously inspire young Kenyans to pursue and excel in unconventional careers. By supporting our young sportsmen and women, we look forward to making Kenya a great hub of Rugby talent through our G.R.I.T (Greatness Requires Internal Toughness) message,” said Michael Joseph, Safaricom CEO.

In 2018, the tournament attracted over 8,000 spectators with great sports talents on show. Impala Floodies 2019 will consist of teams from high school to university to senior rugby teams as well as women’s rugby teams.

“Rugby requires a lot of stamina, and many youth are increasingly actualising their dreams by taking part in this tournament. Safaricom’s support through its BLAZE platform has for the last four years created opportunities for many and enabled us discover and nurture talent that eventually join the Kenya Cup league,” said Bob Asiyo, chairman – Impala Saracens Rugby Club.

The BLAZE sponsorship includes Sh1 million in cash, and an additional Sh2 million in airtime, prizes, pitch branding and the provision of a fully-kitted media centre. 

BLAZE is a sub-brand of Safaricom and was created to give the youth aged 26 years and below, products, services and benefits tailored specifically to meet their everyday needs. 

A first of its kind platform in Kenya, East and Central Africa, BLAZE was founded on what Kenyan youth say is most important to them: freedom, empowerment and success.