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The 2024 Safari Sevens tournament is set to take place in Machakos for the first time ever, rather than in Nairobi as has been the tradition.
The 2024 Safari Sevens rugby tournament is set to make history as it shifts from its traditional home in Nairobi to Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, marking the first time the event will be hosted outside the capital.
Scheduled from October 11-13, 2024, this year's edition promises to deliver a fresh experience for both fans and players, with several changes aimed at enhancing the overall tournament experience.
Why the Venue Change?
According to Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) director Leslie Mwangale, one of the key factors is the closure of several Nairobi-based stadiums for renovations, as Kenya prepares to host the CHAN and AFCON tournaments.
Additionally, the RFUEA Grounds, the usual host of the Safari Sevens along Ngong Road, Nairobi has become too small to accommodate the growing number of spectators.
"Now that the competition is growing, we believed we needed a bigger place to do it. In my opinion, RFUEA is quite small and it will not be able to accommodate fans and players. And other stadiums in Nairobi are closed for renovation," Mwangale explained to SportPesablog.
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The director emphasised that Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos offers a larger, more suitable venue for the expanding tournament. Its proximity to Nairobi also makes it accessible for fans traveling from the city, ensuring that the shift will not inconvenience supporters.
"Machakos is near Nairobi, and everyone will be able to access it easily. It will also be able to cater to both players and teams," Mwangale added.
What to Expect at the 2024 Safari 7s
Aside from the venue change, fans can expect notable improvements in the women's competition, as Mwangale hinted at enhancements to make the tournament even more inclusive. He assured rugby enthusiasts that the event will be well-organised, with a focus on excellent venue management to deliver a seamless experience for all.
This year, eight teams have confirmed their participation, with Kenya fielding three strong squads: the Shujaas, Morans, and the Kenya Harlequins, the latter of which was crowned champions of the national sevens circuit.
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Uganda and Zimbabwe will also be represented, alongside teams from Britain and Qatar, ensuring a diverse and competitive field.
A Glimpse Back: 2023 Safari 7s Highlights
The 2023 edition of the Safari Sevens concluded with Kenya’s Shujaa dominating the Samurai in a 19-0 victory to clinch the title. Uganda claimed third place after a commanding 31-7 win over Germany, while Kenya Morans secured fifth position with an emphatic 26-0 triumph over KCB.
In the women’s competition, Uganda’s Lady Cranes edged out Kenya’s Lionesses in a thrilling final, winning 15-12 to claim the women’s Safari Sevens title. With improvements planned for the women’s tournament in 2024, fans can anticipate even more exciting matches as the level of competition continues to rise.
As the 2024 Safari 7s approaches, the participating teams will also be using the tournament as preparation for upcoming international competitions, including the 2025 World Championships. For fans, this year's Safari 7s promises to offer top-notch rugby action, with a new venue and a renewed energy that will undoubtedly make the event one to remember.
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