Mwamba inks shirt deal with Stanbic Bank

Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Officer Philip Odera (left) and Mwamba Rugby Club President Alphas Onguru sign an agreement at the Stanbic Bank officers in Nairobi on March 2, 2017. Under the deal, the bank becomes the club's shirt sponsors for the remainder of the season. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

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Mwamba Rugby Club's battle for a Kenya Cup top six play-off was softened on Thursday when they received shirt sponsorship worth Sh3 million from Stanbic Bank.

Stanbic Bank's Chief Executive Officer Philip Odera said the partnership is for the remaining season adding that they will renew the package on improved terms based on Mwamba's performance this season.

Odera signed the partnership alongside Mwamba President Alvas Onguru in a colourful ceremony outside Stanbic Offices in Kimathi Street, Nairobi

Mwamba Rugby Club's battle for a Kenya Cup top six play-off was softened on Thursday when they received shirt sponsorship worth Sh3 million from Stanbic Bank.

Stanbic Bank's Chief Executive Officer Philip Odera said the partnership is for the remaining season adding that they will renew the package on improved terms based on Mwamba's performance this season.

Odera signed the partnership alongside Mwamba President Alvas Onguru in a colourful ceremony outside Stanbic Offices in Kimathi Street, Nairobi. Present during the ceremony were former Mwamba Presidents Dave Mshila and Mwangi Muthee as well as Mwamba players led by Kenya Sevens international Humphrey Kayange.

"The reason why we have thrown our support behind Mwamba with this partnership is because it's worth a try," said Odera." We share the same focus and values with Mwamba of moving people forward."

Odera said the great motivation to return next year will come from Mwamba's performance. "We shall be thrilled if they are able to reach the playoffs and even lift the Kenya Cup title," said Odera.

Mwamba, which is the first indigenous Kenyan rugby club, won the Kenya Cup title for the first and only time in 1985.

Besides the shirt sponsorship, Odera said they will engage Mwamba in various community health promotions.

Odera noted that the club's players have been key to the rise of Kenyan rugby to international arena especially the sevens version. Odera singled out World Rugby Sevens Series all time leading try scorer Collins Injera and his elder brother Kayange among others.

Odera explained that rugby will not continue to develop and grow without proper grass-root programs and called on rugby authorities to enhance its development activities.

Onguru said the sponsorship will definitely spur them to a top six play-off. Mwamba are currently placed seventh with 32 points, three off sixth-placed Nakuru.

Mwamba face Kenyatta University's Blak Blad on Saturday targeting maximum points They will then meet Strathmore, Nondiescripts and Kenya Commercial Bank.