BLAZE by Safaricom will sponsor the annual fifteen-aside Impala Floodlit Rugby Tournament to the tune of Ksh. 3 million. The Safaricom sub-brand gave the tournament last year Ksh. 1.8 million in sponsorship.
The tournament will take place over three consecutive weekends, on 28th September, 5th October and 12th October, at Impala Grounds. The tournament is marking 38 years in 2019 while BLAZE by Safaricom will be celebrating the fourth year in a row it has sponsored the competition.
In 2018, the tournament attracted over 8,000 spectators. Kenya Cup champions KCB won the 2018 edition beating hosts Impala Saracens 20-18. Mean Machine were crowned University champions having triumphed 12-9 over USIU in a thrilling encounter. Ofafa Jericho High School won the Schools category after edging out Alliance High School at death to scrap a 5-3 win.
In the 2019 tournament, Clubs, Universities, Schools and Women competitions are to be participate Quarterfinals will be played on September 28, semifinals on October 5 and finals on October 12.
“Rugby requires a lot of stamina, and many youth are increasingly actualizing their dreams by taking part in this tournament. Safaricom’s support through its BLAZE platform has for the last four years created opportunities for many and enabled us discover and nurture talent that eventually join the Kenya Cup league,” said Bob Asiyo, Chairman – Impala Saracens Rugby Club.
The BLAZE By Safaricom sponsorship includes Ksh. 1 million in cash, and an additional Ksh. 2 million in airtime, prizes, pitch branding and the provision of a fully-kitted media centre.
BLAZE is a sub-brand of Safaricom and was created to give the youth aged 26 years and below, products, services and benefits tailored specifically to meet their needs.