Bidco Africa has been unveiled as the new co-sponsors of Shujaa (Kenya national rugby sevens team), for the next three years.
Under the sponsorship deal, the national rugby sevens team will now play all the ten competitions of the 2017-2018 World Rugby Series, the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens and the 2018 Commonwealth Games, wearing the insignia of Bidco Africa on the back of their rugby jerseys..
The fast moving consumer goods manufacturer has also obtained the sponsorship rights for the back of the women’s national rugby sevens team rugby jerseys.
The deal also includes support for Kenya Rugby Union’s schools and club rugby development programs.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Bidco Africa Group Director Chris Diaz, said sport was a key pillar of the company’s engagement with its consumers, as it directly aligns with Bidco’s philosophy of “Happy, Healthy, Living”.
“We wish to support sports in Kenya and our men and women rugby sports teams are doing kenya proud and we will continue to support the team for the next three years to develop rugby kenya wide and encourage youngsters in schools and universities to bring out their talent in sports and position kenya as a great sporting nation,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, KRU Chairman Richard Omwela said Shujaa has grown from strength to strength and is now considered the team to beat in the annual World Rugby 7’s circuit. We also appreciate the support going out to the Lionesses as part of this deal.”
As part of the deal, Bidco will also support Kenya Rugby Union in its goal of using diet and proper nutrition to optimize their players.
““If players want to be in the best possible shape to do well in rugby, then they need to get their diets right,” said Diaz. “Effective training and recovery, coupled with healthy eating, are the key ingredients to performing to your best.”
Shujaa will kick off their 2017/2018 World rugby sevens campaign on 1st December at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The team has been placed in the same pool as defending champions South Africa, Singapore Sevens winners Canada and Africa Sevens champions Uganda in Pool A.
The team, under the tutelage of coach Innocent Simiyu, finished last season’s campaign in 12th place with 63 points.
Kenya’s best performance in Dubai remains a third place finish achieved during the 2012 edition.
