In summary:
- Kenya’s rugby sevens team, Shujaa, got a big cash bonus of Ksh 1,350,000 from SportPesa.
- This reward is for finishing second in the Singapore 7s tournament. Each player will get Ksh 75,000.
- Despite a tough season, this win boosts the team’s spirit before a crucial playoff in Los Angeles to stay in the top league.
Kenya’s rugby sevens team, Shujaa, celebrated a significant financial reward of Ksh 1,350,000 from SportPesa after their strong second-place showing at the Singapore Sevens, with each player earning Ksh 75,000. Their path to the final included notable victories over Ireland, France, and Spain before a defeat by Fiji.
While the Singapore performance was a highlight, Shujaa now faces a critical playoff in Los Angeles in early May to maintain their status in the elite World Sevens Series for 2026, competing against formidable international teams. This bonus provides a vital morale boost as they prepare for this important qualification event.
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Big Win Means Big Money for Kenya 7s
The national rugby sevens team, widely known as Shujaa, received a significant financial boost on Wednesday following their commendable performance at the Singapore Sevens tournament.
SportPesa, a well-known online betting firm operating in the region, presented the team with a bonus of Ksh 1,350,000 as a reward for their second-place finish in the sixth round of the prestigious HSBC SVNS series held two weeks prior. This translates to each of the eighteen team members receiving Ksh 75,000 as a token of appreciation for their efforts.
Shujaa showcased remarkable resilience and skill to advance to the final match of the Singapore Sevens. In the ultimate showdown, they faced the formidable Fiji national team and were narrowly defeated with a score of 21-12. Despite this loss in the final, securing the silver medal marked a substantial achievement for the Kenyan squad.
SportPesa’s generous bonus was intended to recognize this accomplishment and provide encouragement to the team as they navigate the remainder of the season. The official presentation of the funds took place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with Captain Ronald Karauri, the Chief Executive Officer of SportPesa, and Sasha Mutai, the Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union, jointly handing over the bonus to the deserving players.
Earlier in the year, specifically in January 2025, SportPesa had announced a renewed commitment to supporting the national sevens team. As part of this pledge, they committed a total of Ksh 9 million in financial incentives for the entire season. The bonus structure outlined by the sponsor details specific amounts that each player can earn based on their finishing position in the various tournaments of the HSBC SVNS series.
The bonus structure is designed to incentivize strong performances, with players earning
- Ksh 100,000 for a first-place finish
- Ksh 75,000 for second place
- Ksh 50,000 for third place
- Ksh 32,000 for fourth place
- Ksh 20,000 for fifth place
- Ksh 15,000 for sixth place
Given Shujaa’s impressive second-place finish in Singapore, each player on the team is entitled to the Ksh 75,000 bonus as per the agreement. SportPesa reiterated their commitment to the growth and development of sports in Kenya, emphasizing that this bonus serves as tangible evidence of their ongoing support.
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Tough Times and a Big Fight Ahead in Los Angeles
The path to the final in Singapore was marked by determined performances from the Kenyan team. In the initial stages of the tournament, Shujaa demonstrated their capabilities by securing a 17-7 victory over Ireland and following it up with a close 10-7 win against France.
Their momentum continued into the semi-finals, where they triumphed over Spain with a 12-5 scoreline, earning them a coveted spot in the final. Although Fiji ultimately proved too strong in the final match, the silver medal secured by Shujaa represents a significant milestone and a cause for celebration for the team and their supporters.
Despite the positive outcome in Singapore, the 2025 season has presented considerable challenges for the Shujaa team overall. Their cumulative performance across the HSBC SVNS series has placed them in ninth position in the overall standings.
Tough Times and a Big Fight Ahead in Los Angeles
This ranking falls outside the top eight teams, which guarantees automatic qualification for the subsequent season’s elite series. Consequently, Shujaa now faces a crucial playoff tournament scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on May 3-4, 2025. The outcome of this playoff will determine whether Kenya retains its core team status in the prestigious World Sevens Series for the 2026 season.
Reflecting on their performance throughout the 2025 season thus far, Kenya 7s recorded the following finishes in the respective tournaments:
- Dubai Sevens: 10th (3 points)
- Cape Town Sevens: 7th (8 points)
- Perth Sevens: 10th (3 points)
- Vancouver Sevens: 12th (1 point)
- Hong Kong Sevens: 10th (3 points)
- Singapore Sevens: 2nd (18 points)
The upcoming playoff event in Los Angeles presents a critical challenge for Shujaa. They are grouped alongside Uruguay, Ireland, and the United States, who finished tenth, eleventh, and twelfth, respectively, in the overall HSBC SVNS series standings.
Additionally, they will compete against Portugal, Germany, Canada, and Samoa. These latter four teams demonstrated strong performances in the Challenger Series, a tier below the main SVNS series.
The stakes are high, as only the top four teams emerging from this playoff will secure their place in the 2026 World Sevens Series. Kenya 7s will need to deliver their absolute best performance to ensure their continued participation in the elite level of international sevens rugby.
The bonus received from SportPesa has been welcomed as a significant morale booster for the Shujaa team. It serves as recognition of their dedication and hard work, particularly in light of the difficulties encountered throughout the season. The team’s strong showing in Singapore has also been met with enthusiasm from their loyal fanbase.
All eyes are now focused on the crucial playoff in Los Angeles. Supporters are hopeful that Shujaa can replicate their Singapore form and secure their status in the top-tier series for the upcoming year. The team is currently engaged in rigorous training preparations for this pivotal event. The financial reward from SportPesa is expected to provide an added impetus as they gear up for the intense competition that lies ahead.
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