By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Excitement is building up in Nakuru County as it gears up to host the much-anticipated 2023 Prinsloo Sevens, the third leg of the 2023 National Sevens Circuit. The tournament, scheduled for Saturday 5th to Sunday 6th August, has received a significant financial boost with Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) announcing a sponsorship of Ksh. 2 million through its Tusker brand.
Scheduled to take place at the Nakuru Athletic Club, the tournament which is hosted by Top Fry Nakuru RFC, is expected to draw over 40 clubs, making it one of the largest gatherings in the circuit.
The Nakuru Derby between Menengai Oilers and Nakuru RFC promises to be a highlight of the event, as both teams face off in Pool B alongside Nondies and Catholic University Monks.
Kabras Sugar, leading the Sevens Circuit log with 41 points, finds itself in Pool A, where they will compete against Western Bulls, Homeboyz, and Kisumu.
Dala Sevens champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) will headline Pool C which also includes third-place finishers in Mombasa’s Driftwood Sevens, Kenya Harlequins, three-time National Sevens Circuit champions, Masinde Muliro University, and Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad.
Meanwhile, Pool D features four-time champions Mwamba RFC, Daystar Falcons, Zetech University Oaks, and Strathmore Leos.
Speaking during KBL’s sponsorship presentation, Nakuru RFC Chairman Ombui Ratemo lauded the company for the sponsorship, noting that it will go a long way in supporting the event’s expenses. He further noted that the facilities at the Nakuru Athletics Club are in good shape ahead of the tournament.
“We are ready for the tournament which has attracted a very good number of top teams. Everything is in place and the facilities are also in good shape ahead of the competition. We thank KBL for their generous support which will go a long way in ensuring the success of the tournament. This support will play a pivotal role in meeting the event’s financial requirements and elevating the overall experience for players and fans alike. We deeply appreciate KBL’s commitment to supporting sports in our country and we look forward to providing a great rugby experience to our fans,” said Ratemo.
On his part, Anthony Wasilwa, KBL Rift Region Area Development Manager said that the sponsorship will be channeled toward ensuring the success of the tournament.
“We are delighted to once again celebrate a sport that has put Kenya on the global map. Our continued investment in the sport is tied to a noble ambition to support the development of the sport and we are therefore proud to once again show our support towards this year’s Prinsloo Sevens. This sponsorship is valued at Ksh. 2 million and is aimed at ensuring the success of the tournament. In addition, and as we have done in the previous legs in Kisumu and Mombasa, through our sponsorship, we shall be looking to bring life to the tournament by providing entertainment to the fans who will be attending,” said Wasilwa.
The Nakuru leg follows the completion of the first two legs last month – the Dala Sevens in Kisumu which was won by KCB RFC and Driftwood Sevens which was won by Kabras Sugar.
