Kenya 7s players secure salaries, but miss bonuses as sponsorship renewed

Kenya Sevens players will receive monthly salaries ranging from Sh100,000 to Sh150,000 for the 2024/2025 World Rugby Series, though match bonuses have been excluded despite an enhanced Sh84.2 million sponsorship deal from betting firm SportPesa.

The betting firm, which returned as a sponsor in December 2022, initially offered Sh126 million and an additional Sh20 million in match bonuses for the 2022/2023 season. However, the team’s relegation from the World Series led to the termination of the three-year deal.

However, SportPesa returned to support the team with Sh22 million during the World Rugby Challenger Series, helping Kenya Sevens regain promotion for this season's series, beginning on November 30 with the Dubai Sevens.

On Wednesday, SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri signed a two-year partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) worth Sh33 million for the 2024/2025 season and Sh49.5 million for the following season.

However, Karauri clarified that match bonuses are not part of the current deal, but indicated openness to further discussions, urging other corporates to join in supporting the team.

“Sports need money, and success in sports can’t be achieved without facilitation from the corporate world,” said Karauri. “Sports is a big business that brings in money.” He acknowledged that the key challenge in Kenya is how to monetise sports and ensure athletes earn more from their talents. Karauri encouraged Kenya Sevens players to persevere, promising better opportunities ahead.

KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai received the sponsorship cheque and dismissed concerns over the departure of Kenya Sevens co-captains Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi, who opted not to renew their contracts due to demands for better pay.

“We shall soldier on since the country has enormous talent. I don’t like talking about the players’ salaries, but we have tripled some of the players’ salaries from last year,” said Mutai, emphasising that SportPesa’s sponsorship allows for fair compensation.

Mutai noted that 22 of the 25 players in training have been contracted, stating that the salaries, coupled with local and overseas allowances provided by the government and World Rugby’s travel and accommodation support for 12 players and three officials, are sufficient.

“It will help us prepare the players well so that they play at the top level, considering the tough format with 12 teams compared to when the series featured 16 teams,” Mutai added, acknowledging the demanding schedule ahead and the importance of reaching the last eight in every leg to secure Kenya Sevens' place.

Deputy coach Louis Kisia expressed regret over the absence of Onyala and Omondi, but maintained the focus on the team, noting that new players are ready to step up.

“We shall definitely miss them, but other players are ready to be given a chance and bring their A-game,” said Kisia. He also emphasised the need for match bonuses as a motivational factor, revealing that SportPesa and KRU have agreed to a future meeting on the matter.

Kenya faces a challenging Pool “A” in Dubai, with matches against Paris Olympic champions France, South Africa, and Australia.