Kenya Rugby Sevens receives major boost from Supersport

Speaking during a press conference on Monday morning at the Nyayo National Stadium after receiving a cheque of Kshs. One million from Multichoice Kenya Ltd, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Mwangi Muthee pleaded with Kenyan fans to come out in large numbers to support the

Safari Rugby Sevens that gets underway at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi from Friday to Sunday.

Both MultiChoice and SuperSport boosted the kitty with Sh8.5million.Sh1 million has been donated in cash while Sh7.5 million in production costs of the three-day event.

While presenting the donation to Muthee, MultiChoice Kenya General Manager, Danny Mucira and SuperSport Head of Africa, Andre Venter reiterated their long-term commitment to the Kenyan market through its investment in local content and talent.

Muthee said top preparations have already been made and it is the fans that are needed to come out in large numbers to fill the stadium to make this year’s edition memorable.

The chairman is not subjecting the fans to cheer only Kenyan teams saying they are free to praise their favorite squads that will be in participation.

"If you are a Samurai fan go for it, if you are for Spain then cheer them, we are not demanding that you cheer only Kenya," said Muthee.

KRU that is currently putting up structures to develop the game is trying to establish a culture where fans would leave the comfort of their homes and throng stadiums to help market the sport locally to bring back the lost glory.

"Our Kenyan teams that will be participating in the Sevens need to be given ample time, we are in the process of preparations and very soon we will be confident world beaters," said Muthee.

Star studded Samurai were the first squad to arrive in the country yesterday for the Safaricom Sevens.

Zambia will be the last team to jet into the country on Thursday night as the Southern Africans still have international qualifiers to be completed in the week.

Kenya will have to do without sensational power forward Humphrey Khayange who will be captaining his university side Bristol in the championship. Kenya will also field a universities side team to gain exposure in the tournament.

It is the first time in history that the championship will be captured in high definition (HD) using state-of-the-art technology Outside Broadcast Unit to ensure broadcasting of top quality live sport in East Africa.

"Through our channels such as SuperSport, we shall continue making extensive investments in the production of local sport with considerable investement," said Venter.

Meanwhile,South Africa Sevens academy has released their squad for the weekend championship as stated below.