A new day dawned for Kenya Rugby as the Safari Sevens got a new suitor. Michael Joseph or MJ as he is also known unveiled his new baby the "SAFARICOM SEVENS" in an event graced by the KRFU Chairman Richard Omwela this morning. The event will be held from June 4 to 6 (2010). MJ was smiling as he finally got hold of a most coveted prize. In the vision unveiled it is hoped that the top guns of World 7's rugby will grace this Kenyan event namely New Zealand All Blacks, South Africa, Fiji, England, Samoa and Argentina amongst other top professional rugby sides. The coming of Safaricom and timing is a major boost for Kenya Rugby ensuring that this is not a Safari Con.
With a major corporate player on board the Safari Sevens Ltd/Kenya Rugby Ltd can only hope that their efforts of raising the tournament to the next level will succeed. We here on this blog wish them success. A note to Safaricom is that they would do good to have a quiet word with the KRFU on the issue of transparency and accountability as this is the achilles heel of the KRFU. Talking to EABL for some tips now that they are less busy since Tusker Project Fame is over would be a good thing to do.
The sponsorship deal is worth Kshs 25 million ($ 333,333) and the Safaricom Safari Sevens joins an illustrious family that includes The Safaricom Marathon, Safaricom Sportsman of the Year Awards (SOYA) and the Safaricom Gusii Golden Series, among others.
This definitely is a big boost for a tournament that prodes itself in being Africa's Premium Sevens tournament that recently came under threat the recently IRB sanctioned TrustCo Namibia/Windhoek 7's.
2 Comments:
WE may complain about the timing of the TrustCo Namibia/Windhoek 7's but realize that by the time Safaricom sevens comes, most of the teams are 'tired' and would rather take their post season break. this TrustCo Namibia/Windhoek 7's comes at a time when teams are warming up for the IRB sevens circuit. The same holds for Singapore sevens (which the springbok sevens are also taking part in). Teams use these tournaments to prepare for the season. Just watch out,Windhoek might replace George, remember a tournament is not about the number of fans or the way the organizers feel about it. Its much more than that.
Though undoubtedly good for the game, I can't help but think we've sold our souls.. and for a song! MJ has bought the event entirely as the name Safari Sevens is now gone!! And the last laugh may still be Tusker's as I can't imagine what people will drink at the event anywayz.
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