NAIROBI — The air above Nyayo National Stadium crackled with expectation as Kenya’s sevens side prepared to launch its HSBC SVNS 2 campaign. With the stands sold out and the city buzzing, co-captain Samuel Asati stood at the edge of the pitch and promised a performance that would reignite Kenya’s place among rugby sevens’ elite.
Asati's Rallying Cry
With less than 24 hours until kick-off, Asati delivered a message equal parts challenge and promise. He vowed that playing at home — in front of the fans who have followed the team around the globe — would be the spark for a return to the top tier. “We are going to play in front of our fans,” he said, eyes fixed on the packed terraces. “We are not going to disappoint them.” Asati framed Sunday’s final whistle as the beginning of a journey back to Division One, and he insisted Kenya would set the tempo from the first whistle.
Opponents and Stakes
Kenya opens against Canada on Saturday in a round-robin that also features USA, Belgium, Germany, and Uruguay. Canada’s skipper Lockie Kratz answered the challenge with his own pledge to restore past standards and to start the Nairobi stop “with a bang.” Every match is a stepping stone; every result could tilt the balance in a fierce race for core status.
Road to the Championship
This weekend marks the first leg of a six-week, three-tournament sprint that will carry teams from Nairobi to Montevideo and Sao Paulo. Twelve nations, including qualifiers and established sevens powers, are chasing a top-four finish that would secure a coveted place in the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series. The prize at the end of the road is a winner-takes-all championship featuring 24 teams across high-stakes stops in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux.
Stadium Atmosphere and Broadcast
Nyayo’s sold-out crowd promises a carnival of color, drums, and unrelenting noise. Home advantage is more than a phrase; it is a force Kenya hopes will lift its players to the performances needed to reclaim a spot at the top table. For those beyond Nairobi, every match will be available live through local broadcasters and RugbyPass TV, bringing the roar of Nyayo to a global audience.
Kenya’s message is clear: with passion, home support, and a fearless game plan, the national sevens team intends to turn Nyayo into the launchpad for a comeback. The whistle blows soon, and the hunt for redemption begins.
