SportPesa Pumps 1 Million Into Title-Deciding Kabeberi Sevens

Lead gaming firm SportPesa has pumped 1 million shillings into the George Mwangi Kabeberi Sevens set to take place at the RFUEA Grounds from 9-10 September 2023.

The tournament, popularly known as the Kabeberi Sevens, will serve as the final outing of the six-legged SportPesa National Sevens Circuit 2023 where the overall champion will be crowned after two days that promise thrilling rugby action.

Kabras Sugar RFC currently sit at the top of the league standings on 92 points after the five outings played but only have a point advantage over second-placed KCB on 91. Strathmore Leos also have a slight chance on the overall title as they sit in third spot on 82 points.

Speaking during the unveiling of the sponsorship, SportPesa Public Relations Manager Willis Ojwang reiterated the firm’s commitment in playing its part in developing local rugby talent which in turn feeds into the Kenya 7s national team.

“A couple of months ago when we were thinking of coming into rugby, we never pictured it being this successful. It was a very bold move to make when we decided to take the main title sponsorship of the circuit now known as the SportPesa National 7s Circuit.

But the journey from Kisumu has been exciting and now we are ready for the Kabeberi Sevens. We are hoping that the sponsorship will go a long way in growing the local talent we have around even as it transfers to the Shujaa 7s national team who we are also sponsoring.

On behalf of SportPesa, Mwamba will receive 1 million to aid in the tournament’s successful organization and we just want to wish them the very best,” he said.

In the five tournaments played, KCB and Kabras have lifted two titles apiece with Nondescripts ending their 21-year title drought when they beat Strathmore Leos in the Tisap 7s main cup final held in Eldoret.

KCB won the Dala (Kisumu) and Christie 7s (Nairobi) final while Kabras won Driftwood (Nakuru) and Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru.

Title Permutations at Kabeberi 7s

Kabras Sugar can claim their first circuit title in six years if they simply finish the tournament ahead of KCB in the knockout stages of the cup competition.

KCB can win the circuit title if they reach the cup semis and Kabras fall at the cup quarters.

Strathmore Leos can claim their first title since 2009 if they reach the cup final and Kabras and KCB fail to make the cup quarters.

The teams will be out to get out of Saturday’s group stages and battle for the overall title on Sunday but must contend with potentially tricky fixtures within their respective groups.

Groups

Pool A: Nondescripts, Blak Blad, Kenya Harlequin, Tessen Warriors

Pool B: Strathmore Leos, Kisumu, Nakuru, Impala

Pool C: Mwamba, Kabras Sugar, Masinde Muliro, Daystar Falcons

Pool D: Menengai Oilers, KCB, Catholic Monks, Moi University