Nakuru RFC (Wanyore) club has received a significant boost this season after officially partnering with Smart Applications International, which has announced a Ksh 2.5 million sponsorship for the team.

This will carry the team through the 15s season.

Speaking during the sponsorship launch at the Nakuru Athletics Club, Nakuru RFC chairman Aggrey Owiyo noted that the sponsorship will go a long way in ensuring player welfare is taken care of thus boosting their sportsmanship spirit.

“With Smart coming in, we now have the opportunity to adequately cater to the players’ needs and allow them to focus on delivering their best performances,” he says.

Nakuru RFC captain ,John Mbugua ,during the sponsorship launch with Smart Applications International, at the Nakuru Athletics Club on February 11,2025

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

When asked about the impact of the sponsorship, Owiyo shares that he previously struggled to plan for the team’s training and what to eat for the day.

Additionally, he emphasizes that this sponsorship will change the situation where players trained without any financial benefits. He notes that this had led to the loss of many players to other teams, which has significantly affected the team’s performance.

Owiyo confirmed that the club has received the Ksh 2.5 million sponsorship for the first season, adding that the agreement will be renewed annually.

“Players are willing to return. I anticipate a lot of interest from those who left, thanks to this sponsorship,” he remarks.

Smart Applications International, Group Managing Director, Harrison Muiru, noted that they chose to sponsor Nakuru RFC due to its rich history in sportsmanship and, more importantly, its impact on the community.

“Nakuru RFC has been a talent hub where young children from local communities have joined, trained, and gone on to become professional players, both on the national and in international teams,” he says.

Muiru added that the sponsorship will cover the senior team, the women’s team, and the age-grade team.

Promising an improved performance, Nakuru RFC captain John Mbugua, acknowledges they have had had a tough run this season and they are happy for Smarts coming on board.

“We are currently at the bottom of the table, but we have four more games left, starting with Kisumu this weekend. It will be a tough match, and we have to give our all to secure a win. A victory will pull us away from the verge of relegation, and we must win these games,” he said, assuring better performances ahead.

Better days ahead for Wanyore as new sponsors enter the field

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