Prinsloo Sevens has always been a core leg in the National Sevens Circuit. However, this tournament cannot be complete without mentioning its die-hard fans who have always brought life to the pitch.

Talk of their chants, songs of glory and the occasional booing directed to the referee when they feel he or she is not fair to the teams they support.

Rugby fans follow the matches at Nakuru Athletics Club during Prinsloo tournament on August 6, 2023.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

A most common tradition is hitting the iron sheets at the stands with their fists every time they celebrate a try.

Have a look at how fans filled up Nakuru Athletics Club during day two of Prinsloo 7s

For Wanyore (Nakuru RFC), they had one of their own, who poured his heart to support them all through. He went by the name Tyson.

His real name Justin Migiro is not common to many. Tyson needs no introduction among rugby fans and players.

Obae Amos a Nakuru RFC player wearing a branded t-shirt in honour of Justin Migiro alias Tyson who was a Nakuru RFC die-hard fan.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Those who frequent the Nakuru Athletics Club knew of the man; heavy in build, loud and funny to a fault. Despite his big size Tyson never sat down when Wanyore were on the pitch.

Instead, he would pace up and down the field, leading the fans in songs praising specific players on the team or jeering the referees in equal measure.

Photos of the exciting Prinsloo weekend at Nakuru Athletics Club

Edward Moseti the tournament director says, " Tyson was a close friend of mine and I considered him my family. He was a crowd puller and definitely a top-notch cheerleader. His demise in 2021 left the rugby fraternity dented with many saying he left a gap that was hard to feel."

Moseti continues to say that, the tournament introduced a special award to honour Tyson.

"We are introducing the Most Promising Player trophy award this season to honour Tyson who was a great friend, mentor and fan to Nakuru RFC and the rugby fraternity," says Moseti.

Kabras celebrate after being awarded winners of Prinsloo sevens tournament at Nakuru Athletics Club on August 6, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

As Kabras who won the 2023 Prinsloo 7s title lifted their trophy, so did the young star, James Macharia, who received the newly introduced most promising player trophy. He could not hide his joy, noting that it is a privilege to be bestowed that award.

Watch Macharia receive the most promising player award

Wathiai Macharia, says his best moments with Tyson was when Nakuru RFC won the Kenya cup.

Wathiai Macharia a Nakuru RFC fan

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

"We all hit the road with hundreds of Nakuru RFC supporters to cheer our team at the championship. We hired 'matatus' to ferry fans to Nairobi for that tournament. Nothing beats that moment when we lifted that cup and we busted into cheers," Says Wathiai.

Carolyne Migiro the wife to the late Tyson says she has no words to described her delight, since Nakuru RFC chose an honourable way to ensure that her husband’s spirit lives on.

Carolyne Migiro , wife to the late Justin Migiro alias Tyson who was a Nakuru RFC fan. He passed on in 2021 after he succumbed to Covid -19.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

"My best memories of Tyson were when he would bring his friends to the house to watch rugby matches which for me made the house lively. How he managed to lead a good number of fans in cheering during the tournament still amuses me. The number of people who shared their good experiences of Tyson with me made me know he was loved by Many. Truly God picked the best flower," says Carolyne.

And as we closed the Prinsloo tournament, home teams Menengai oilers finished fourth while Nakuru RFC finished seventh on the third leg of the national sevens circuit.

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See Kabras celebrating after winning Prinsloo Sevens tournament

Wanyore introduce special award in honour of fallen fan Tyson

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