Kisia: Shujaa buoyed by new sponsorship ahead of season opener

Kenya Sevens rugby team Deputy Coach Louis Kisia is confident that the newly secured sponsorship, Shujaa will star in the 2024/2025 HSBC Rugby Sevens Series.

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and gaming company SportPesa on Wednesday announced an enhanced Sh.84.2m sponsorship deal to boost Shujaa ahead of the new season of the World Series.

The betting firm which returned as a sponsor in December 2022, initially offered Sh. 126m and an additional Sh.20 million in match bonuses for the 2022/2023 season.

However the team’s relegation from the World Series led to termination of the three-year deal.

“The sponsorship has come in at a time when the players needed it a lot. In one week time they will be taking part in the Dubai leg and I believe it will motivate them a lot. It’s my hope that other sponsors will come on board as we continue develop this sport,” noted Kisia.

Kisia however expressed his regrets over the absence of dependable players Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi, but remained positive that the team will perform.

“We shall miss them yes but it’s also an opportunity to try other players. It’s also important to factor match bonuses to players and I’m sure our sponsor will consider that.”

Shujaa, made an emphatic return to the HSBC Rugby Sevens Series by downing Germany 33-15 in June 2, 2024 the promotion-relegation quarter final at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.

Although Shujaa was relegated in 2023, they showed character by winning the 2023 Africa 7s title and qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, their third successive appearance. They also booked their slot back into the World Series, retaining the Safari 7s title.

The Shujaa are pooled in Pool A for the Dubai 7s alongside France, Australia, and South Africa.

 In addition, this sponsorship will also provide a total prize money purse of 1.65 million Ksh. for the 2025 National 7s Circuit.