KQ gives Sh290m to rugby 7s

History was made on Monday when Kenya Airways lived to its billing as the Pride of Africa to unveil a grand sponsorship for Kenya National Sevens team to a tune of Sh 290m.

This massive sponsorship ever witnessed in the country’s rugby history will last for two seasons and is purely for the International Rugby Board (IRB) World Sevens Series.

In a show of confidence in the new Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and the National Sevens team, Kenya Airways has undertaken to engage the first 18 players on full professional basis alongside four technical bench members.

The four members of the technical bench are head coach Mitch Ocholla, deputy coach Charles Cardovillis, team manager John Mbai and gym and toning coach, Geoffrey Kimani.

Precisely, Kenya Airways human resources director, Alban Mwendar said that they will spend Sh 145m for the 2011/2012 on the team, which Sh 72.9m are for match bonuses. The salaries for the 18 players and four officials will cost Sh 18.48m.

Each member in the team will not earn less than Sh 70,000 in monthly salaries while each player will pocket US$ 1,000 (Sh95,000) in bonuses if the team reach Main Cup quarterfinals.

Main Cup semi-finals will draw US 2,000 (Sh 190,000) for each player while Cup final US$ 3,000 (Sh 285,000). Victiory will earn each player US$ 5,000 (Sh 475,000).

Besides the bonus structure that was worked out in consultation with KRU, Mwendar disclosed that their renewed sponsorship deal will also include a medical insurance cover for the team worth Sh 22m.

Besides, Kenya Airways will provide 150 tickets worth Sh 18m that will also benefit the National 15s men and women’s teams.

Mwendar was speaking upon handing over the sponsorship cheque to KRU chairman, Mwangi Muthee at Kenya Airways headquarters in Embakasi, Nairobi. Muthee was accompanied by directors Terry Adembesa and Myke Rabar.

Humbled by Kenya Airways gesture, Muthee said his union’s dream to have the team professionalised has been realised.

Kenya Airways had sponsored the National Sevens team for the last two seasons to a tune of Sh 30m.

“The impressive show by the team over the years is a reflection of key ingredients to a successful sponsorship, a good team, qualified management, a supportive and open union and a sponsor who demands accountability,” said Mwendar.

Renewed partnership

Mwendar said with the renewed partnership,  Kenya Airways shall continue  to play its role of providing pleasant travel experiences to the rugby fans across Africa to the various IRB sevens events.

“We are also proud of the fact that this coming weekend Kenyans and other rugby enthusiasts will have a chance to see the team during the Safaricom Sevens,” explained Mwendar as he challenged the team to go with pride and make Kenyans proud by retaining the trophy.

However, Muthee challenged the team to deliver otherwise but to pay back with good results from the IRB.

"This team belongs to the Kenyan people and it’s KRU’s endeavour to develop it and ensure it remains a world class outfit,” said Muthee.

Head coach Micth Ocholla said his charges are ready to rumble and prove their mettle.

“It’s a good challenge and we are taking it head on as we seek to maintain high standards,” said Ocholla

The nine-legged 2011/2012 IRB World Sevens Series start with the Gold Coast Sevens on November 25 to 26 in Australia followed by Dubai Sevens on December 2 to 3 in United Arab Emirates and George Sevens on 9 to 10 in South Africa.

The sponsorship:

The salaries and technical bench staff (22):- Sh18,48m

Direct Cash in terms of training allowances (22):- Sh6m

Travelling Wear (Suits and Track suits) (22):- Sh500,000

Bonuses (18):- Sh72,9m

Public relations and life skills (22):- Sh5m

Medical insurance cover (22):- Sh 22m

Ticket sponsorship in kind (150):- Sh18m

Welcome and departure events (22):- Sh2.2m

Total sponsorship value: Sh145,080,000