The dust is settling on the 27th edition of the Safari Sevens, held this past weekend at the Nyayo National Stadium. As I write this, they are probably setting down the last tents. So, why not look back at the tournament and consider why I think it can be the turning point that Kenya Rugby needs?
First, our condolences to the Belgian women’s side and to the family, friends of Warren Abrahams and all whose lives he touched; Warren sadly passed on the first day of the tournament. May he rest in eternal peace, and may the good Lord give his people the strength to see them through these tough times.
If I could summarise this tournament in three words, I’d say ‘good, better, and bad.’ Having worked with the Safari Sevens since 2011, this was the first edition that I had no role in, apart from being a fan and having fun!
Let’s start with the good…
The move to Nyayo was a good call, though I think we should have stuck to Machakos after last year, while Nyayo gives a central location with facilities like changing rooms, parking, etc. I still hold to the faint dream that Safari Sevens needs an out-of-town experience, what better location than Masaku?
With rumours going round of an international sevens tournament coming to Kenya soon, Nyayo gives us a precursor to what hosting such an event needs, the facilities for both player and fan (apart from the sun at the regular area, but si hapo ndio fun iko), the playing surface, fan’s village, media center & tribune served well, definitely with needed improvements.
The move to Nyayo is almost similar to when the tournament was played there in 2011 and 2012, we can only build from this point on.
The support from sponsors was good to see, especially from entities we never imagined would support sports, let alone rugby. This also came with an injection of new faces talking about the sport, which hopefully translates to new followers and fans. I will insist that there is more value in people who are not ‘rugby guys’ talking about the sport to their audiences than the regular rugby fan.
The Better…
The playing field at this year’s tournament was better than in previous years, the best since 2019, and with Kenya completing the double, even better. Special mention to KCB, Nyati, and Mwamba Select, who showcased just how much talent we have running around, especially the last two, who were assembled within the week of the tournament.
The attendance across the three days was better than in previous editions (rugby has to be the only sport that packs the VIP Area before the regular), with early indicators pointing to almost 20,000 over the three days, an average of 6,600 per day (numbers that would choke our beloved RFUEA and her environs), it can only get better.
The Sherehe, no the sherehe! In addition, the tournament offered a proper family experience with activities for the whole family, which makes it an even more attractive event.
The content that has and keeps coming out of this Safari Sevens has been exceptional, a big shout out to all creators, kazi safi, keep creating!
The Bad…
The organizers being caught in a debt entanglement between the stadium and a supplier, saw the last round of games on Friday being pushed to Saturday morning, due to a lack of floodlights. The idea to play some of the games under floodlights was a good one, one that might encourage clubs to think of playing their league games under lights. Sad that it didn’t see the light of the night…apart from the vets.
Soon after rumours of Warren’s sad demise started circulating, a few individuals took it upon themselves to become town criers, with no consideration of family, friends, or due process. May they learn to be better human beings.
The Turning Point…
This 27th edition could be a turning point for the Safari Sevens brand after struggling for some time now. First, there’s growing support for the tournament, this year’s edition should be used as the bare minimum.
The dates for next year’s edition have already been announced, 9th-11th October, what needs to come next is confirmation of location and team invites, so that we get a top-quality field with the likes of SA, NZ and Australia, which will automatically mean more sponsorship and support coming through to return Safari Sevens to its former glory.
Finally, a special mention to the individuals who have put in the thankless job of making the tournament possible over that last so many months, well done, it can only get better, and you can now finally take a breath. See you all at Floodies!
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!
