NAIROBI, Kenya, February 24 – Bamburi Rugby Super Series chairman Aggrey Chabeda believes the impact of the tournament has transformed the popularity of rugby in the country over the past decade.
Chabeda told Capital Sport on Thursday that the introduction of teams like the Western Buffaloes has seen the game experience remarkable growth in Western Kenya and providing hope that other part of Kenya could have franchises of their own.
“The Buffaloes have generated interest in rugby in Western Kenya. It has also attracted sponsorship from Mumias Sugar company which are grateful for,” said Chabeda.
The Buffaloes made their debut last year and played their home matches at Mumias Sports Complex will host the SuperSport cameras on May 7th.
“For the first time we are going to have live coverage from outside Nairobi. SuperSport will broadcast live from Mumias on the second weekend of the tournament on the following weekend they will broadcast live from Nakuru before coming backing to Nairobi for the semi finals and finals,” he added.
Chabeda spoke after the tournament received a sponsorship package of Sh11.7 million from title sponsors Bamburi Cement who have been involved in the series for eight years in row.
“The attributes of rugby such as strength, endurance and resilience are similar to those of our brands and make such sponsorships appealing to us,” said Bamburi Cement Marketing Director Robert Nyang’aya.
The tournament kicks off on Saturday, April 30 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) grounds and will continue for six weekends.
Fixtures will also take place in Kampala and Arusha.
Pools:
Pool A: Rhinos, Lions, Sharks, Twiga
Pool B: Cheetahs, Victoria, Rwenzori, Buffaloes
Schedule:
Saturday, April 30: Cheetahs v Rwenzori (RFUEA), Rhinos v Sharks (RFUEA), Twiga v Lions (Friedkin RC, Arusha), Victoria v Buffaloes (Kyadondo RC, Kampala)
Saturday, May 7: Buffaloes v Rwenzori (Mumias), Lions v Sharks (RFUEA), Twigas v Rhinos (Arusha), Victoria v Cheetahs (Kampala)
Saturday, May 14: Cheetahs v Buffaloes (RFUEA), Rhinos v Lions (Nakuru Athletics Club), Twiga v Sharks (Arusha), Rwenzori v Victoria (Kampala)
Saturday, May 21: Winner Pool A v Runner up Pool B, Winner Pool B v Runner up Pool A (RFUEA)
Saturday, June 4: Final (RFUEA)
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