Strathmore Leos | Samwel Ogor

Rugby

Prinsloo 7s: Celebrating Rugby Legends and the Spirit of Nakuru.

As we gear up for the third round of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit, rugby enthusiasts from all over Kenya are eagerly anticipating the Prinsloo 7s, which will be held at the Nakuru Athletic Club from the 4th to the 6th of August 2023. This year marks the fifteenth edition of the tournament, a fitting tribute to the late Pete Walter Prinsloo, a rugby enthusiast of South African origin, who played a significant role in the revamping and development of rugby in Nakuru. Pete Walter Prinsloo’s journey in the world of rugby began when he moved to Kenya from South Africa. Although details about his early life remain somewhat elusive, there is no doubt that his impact on the rugby community in Nakuru was profound. He devoted a considerable part of his life to promote and nurture the sport he loved, and his efforts were instrumental in establishing a strong rugby culture in the region. Tragically, Prinsloo faced health challenges that put his determination to the test. He battled diabetes complications, which eventually led to the amputation of two of his limbs. However, his love for rugby remained unwavering, and even in the face of immense physical challenges, he continued to actively involve himself in the sport, using a wheelchair to move around. Prinsloo’s indomitable spirit and passion for rugby became an inspiration to many aspiring players and fans alike. His courage in the face of adversity was a symbol of resilience and determination, leaving a lasting impression on the rugby community. In honor of his legacy, the Prinsloo 7s tournament was established. Each year, teams from across Kenya gather at the Nakuru Athletic Club to compete in this prestigious event, celebrating the spirit of rugby and commemorating the legacy of Pete Walter Prinsloo. The tournament has become a symbol of the power of love for the game and the strength to overcome challenges, both on and off the field. Among the teams vying for victory at this year’s Prinsloo 7s, Mwamba leads the pack as the most successful team in the tournament’s history, having secured five titles. They won the inaugural editions in 2007 and 2008, and then added more titles in 2010, 2011, and 2019. Following closely behind is KCB, with four titles, including a remarkable three-peat from 2012 to 2014. Other successful teams in the tournament’s history include Homeboyz, Nakuru, Menengai Oilers, and Strathmore Leos, each having lifted the prestigious trophy on one or two occasions. Apart from the thrilling action on the field, the Prinsloo 7s also features a division two competition. Kabarak University, as the top seed in this division, will battle it out with other aspiring teams, hoping to secure promotion to the Christie 7s division one competition. The Prinsloo 7s promises to be an exhilarating and heartwarming event, not just for rugby fans but for all those who believe in the power of passion, resilience, and leaving a lasting legacy. Tickets are now on sale, with regular tickets priced at Ksh 500 per day and VIP tickets at Ksh 3000 for Saturday and Sunday. As we gather at the Nakuru Athletic Club, let us remember the man who inspired this tournament, Pete Walter Prinsloo, whose love for rugby knew no bounds. Let us celebrate the sport he cherished, and may the Prinsloo 7s continue to honor his memory for many years to come. Let the games begin!

August 3, 2023 No Comments

Rugby

Dala 7s Unleashes the Roar of Rugby Lighting Up Kisumu.

Kisumu, a city nestled beside the glistening waters of Lake Victoria, prepares to unleash a symphony of strength, speed, and skill as the 2023 National Sevens Circuit unfurls its vibrant tapestry. Like an artist’s brushstroke on a canvas, the Dala 7s tournament will paint the stadium at Mamboleo with hues of raw athleticism and electrifying rugby prowess. Since its inception in 2003, the Dala 7s has carved its name into the annals of Kenyan rugby history. It has weathered storms of logistical challenges and the pandemic’s stifling embrace, emerging stronger and more resilient each time. This year, after a two-year hiatus, the tournament breathes life once again, igniting the spirits of fans and players alike. The dueling gladiators of the rugby field will converge upon the hallowed ground, their hearts pulsating with anticipation. Homeboyz and KCB, like legendary phoenixes, have soared to the highest peaks, claiming three titles each throughout the years. Kenya Harlequin and Nakuru, with their indomitable spirit, stand tall with two triumphs each, while Impala Saracens, Strathmore Leos, and the valiant Ulinzi warriors proudly hold one championship to their name. As the curtains rise on this rugby spectacle, the Kenya Rugby Union holds the key to destiny, poised to unlock the draw and order of play in a grand unveiling. With bated breath, fans and competitors wait, eager to witness the unfolding drama that lies ahead. Amidst the fervor, the tournament organizers have revealed the enchanting melody of ticket prices. The golden gates to witness this extravaganza swing open, offering VIP tickets at Ksh 1000 per day, a symphony of luxury and exclusivity. For those seeking a glimpse of the action, regular tickets are priced at Ksh 500 per day, an affordable harmony that resonates with the masses. The rhythmic pulse of anticipation quickens as fans rush to secure their place in history, their fingers dancing across the online portals of Tiko Hub. Reflecting on the legacy of the Dala 7s, we glimpse into its past, tracing the footsteps of champions who once graced its hallowed ground. Ulinzi, Impala, and Kenya Harlequin claimed the inaugural chapters of this tale, painting bold strokes of victory upon the canvas. Then, as if guided by the hand of fate, the tournament took a brief hiatus, allowing KCB to claim their moment of glory in 2006. Yet, like an intermission in a grand performance, the years 2007 and 2008 passed in silence, the stadium’s echoes longing for the roar of the crowd. When the spotlight returned, Nakuru seized the spotlight, followed by Mwamba’s relentless dominance in 2010 and 2011. Kenya Harlequin rejoined the chorus, harmonizing their way to victory in 2012, leaving their mark on the crescendo of history. As the story progressed, new chapters unfurled, each with its own protagonist. Strathmore Leos etched their name upon the trophy, their triumph reverberating through the years. KCB, Nakuru, and Homeboyz emerged as forces to be reckoned with, claiming titles and carving their legacies with unrivaled artistry. The rhythm of success continued, leaving an indelible mark upon the Dala 7s tapestry. Yet, as fate would have it, silence once again descended upon the stadium in 2020 and 2021, the pandemic casting its somber shadow. The stage stood empty, yearning for the dancers of the oval ball to return. And in 2022 , Homeboyz, with their nimble feet and unwavering spirit, took their place upon the podium, reigniting the fervor of fans and filling the void left by the silence. Now, in 2023, the symphony begins anew. The Dala 7s, like a phoenix emerging from ashes, rekindles the flame of rugby passion, bringing together the nation’s finest warriors to create an unforgettable masterpiece. Kisumu, with its vibrant spirit and enchanting aura, stands ready to host this spectacle, its shores echoing the cheers of the crowd and the thunderous beats of the game. As the tournament unfurls its wings and soars to great heights, the Dala 7s beckons us all to witness a tapestry woven with passion, skill, and unyielding determination. It is a canvas on which the spirit of rugby paints its resplendent strokes, capturing the hearts of fans and forever immortalizing the glory of the game.

June 23, 2023 No Comments