Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and one of the leading betting firms in the country signed a Ksh126 million sponsorship deal on Thursday, December 15.
The backing came at a time when Rugby teams in the country were enduring financial challenges.
According to a press release issued by KRU, the deal will last for three years.
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“SportPesa and Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) have signed a Ksh126 million three-year partnership deal that covers the men’s national sevens team, Shujaa.
“The partnership was unveiled in Nairobi on Thursday 15 December 2022.
"SportPesa previously served as the Official Headline Partner of the KRU between 2016 and early 2018,” read part of the statement from KRU.
Oduor Gangla, KRU Chairman, stated that the sponsorship would help the federation improve the living conditions of the players.
"We are pleased to be reunited with SportPesa as we seek to steer our national sevens team to even greater heights on the continental and global front, something that ties in well with SportPesa’s ambition to steer the country to greater global sporting heights.
“We want to put the players in better and bigger contracts so that there is more push to work and deliver.
"We are looking to have them contracted for up to the 2024 Olympic Games so that there is a bigger and long-term plan,” ended Gangla.
Kenya 7s skipper Nelson Oyoo thanked the betting firm for coming to their aid at a time when they were struggling financially.
“As players, we are really delighted because it has been a tough time and we thank Sportpesa for coming on board and sponsoring the team," he stated.
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