Bamburi – A proud and successful association with Rugby Super Series

Bamburi – A proud and successful association with Rugby Super Series
by Herbert Mwachiro

Bamburi’s association with the Super Series begun in 2004 when they came aboard as a franchise sponsor. The Lions were the lucky team and the franchise for the 2004 Super Series was then known as the Bamburi Lions. The Lions in true tradition did reach the final where they were humbled by the Cheetahs.

The first time experience of participating in the Super Series seems to have excited senior Bamburi management. Then Marketing Manager Dennis Kashero noted after the 2004 series that this was indeed a tournament with great potential.

Nothing further was said nor discussed till August 2004 during the funeral of the late Hon. Karissa Maitha when Dennis Kashero met with Herbert Mwachiro and Willie Kilimatinde and the discussion of the Super Series came up in Mombasa. After an all night convincing session at Bob’s Bar in Nyali, Kashero acknowledged that the time had come for Bamburi/Lafarge to make a big entry into the Kenyan sporting scene. And what better way than to play a bigger role in the Rugby Super Series as the Title Sponsor.

The coastal air must have been great for the mind as with no hangovers in sight phone calls and meetings started taking place in Nairobi upon the trio’s return. Aggrey Chabeda and the indefatigable French man Emmanuel Maubert came aboard in the Bamburi Super Series drive. Chabeda and Maubert were the face of the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) as they tirelessly made presentations to Bamburi seeking their commitment for the 2005 Series.

Once this was attained after many weeks of back and forth, the Bamburi Rugby Super Series was born.

With Bamburi officially announcing their sponsorship other corporates then boarded the bus as well. What had Bamburi gotten themselves into as their announcement generated a lot of excitement particularly in the media as their PR machinery went into overdrive selling the Bamburi brand as the new kid on the block associated with rugby. Mary Mueni then Brand Manager quickly assumed the operations mantle and with Kashero at the helm, the Bamburi Rugby Super Series started falling into place quite well. Bamburi’s David Njoroge’s enthusiasm could not be missed for sure as was former international cricketer Tariq Iqbal’s bulk at the games.

Bamburi took up the Lions franchise and rebranded them the Nguvu Lions. The Lions with their sponsor took the tournament with great seriousness and romped into the final brushing all aside. Alas but the final victory was not to be as the Tetra Pak/New KCC Buffaloes stole the cup from the Lions. Overall the tournament was a great success and the numbers watching on telly and at the grounds did not tell a lie.

Come 2006 Mary Mueni took charge from Bamburi’s end and kicked off where they left off in 2005. Having confirmed as title sponsor once again, Bamburi’s name evoked sheer excitement among rugby fans and envy from other corporates who thought they had monopolised rugby in Kenya. Nation Media Group decided they were not being left out of the party and hopped aboard the 2006 Bamburi Rugby Super Series.

Another great tournament it was with NMG media support proving that the tournament indeed moved up another level. With Kashero in transit on his way to Uganda, the then silent lady Sypie Nyinza came aboard the ship and the tournament lived up to its name. The Nguvu Lions did reach the final again and David Njoroge did cry when the trophy was presented to the Cheetahs. The new MD Michel Puchercos however did have a pleasant smile on his face. Maubert too smiled and said farewell to the tournament.

The idea of the Super Series going regional had been toyed around in 2006. This seemed to gain more footing in 2007 when the Buffaloes franchise was relocated to Nakuru. Efforts to get Uganda and Tanzania aboard came a cropper due to finances and logistics did not allow.

With Mueni playing top dog and Sypie in charge of operations the tournament successfully managed to have a ‘regional’ expansion by having all games played in Nakuru during the third weekend.

Nakuru welcomed the Bamburi Rugby Super Series and NMG like a faithful partner tagged along and screened one of the games live to the Kenyan public. The regional dream was still going strong. The Rift Valley had successfully embraced the Rugby Super Series and more importantly Bamburi had left a huge mark on the residents of Nakuru.

The final weekend saw Nguvu Lions matched up with the Rhinos in the final. This time David Njoroge pledged from his own pocket to top up as an incentive to the Nguvu Lions. Kashero flew in from Kampala to see the whether the bridesmaid tag would finally be dropped by the Nguvu franchise. A state of the art Bamburi courtesy tent was set up with all Bamburi’s clients on show to see them finally crown success in totality both off and on the pitch.

With the prize money having been more than doubled the final proved to be an exciting affair. One of the best rugby games played in recent times, the spectators came out in their droves. Nairobi that day only had one event on people’s lips and that was the Bamburi Rugby Super Series Final. The media went overboard that week and the Title Sponsor was definitely not disappointed by the turnout of rugby fans.

David Njoroge ended up keeping his money and needed more hankies to wipe the tears. Dennis Kashero was back in Kampala before midnight. Bob Nyang’aya was indeed left speechless. The bridesmaids had done it again but the then MD Michel Puchercos still had a smile on his face as he awarded the trophy and cheque to the winning Rhinos. Another successful tournament yet again!

2008 saw the tournament take a totally new dimension altogether. The regional dream was finally achieved with Tanzania Twigas joining the Super Series party. Uganda looked like they were in but pulled out at the last minute. The Tanzanians proudly and effectively carried the East African flag into the tournament.

Two games were played in Arusha. These were the first ever Bamburi Super Series games to be played outside Kenya making it a historical moment for the tournament. The Lions and the Cheetahs were hosted by the Twigas. Despite the great home support received, the Twigas ended up second best in both games.

This however did not dampen their enthusiasm as the Twigas strolled into Nairobi with their heads high up for their 5th/6th playoff with the Buffaloes almost upsetting them in the end.

Nevertheless the Tanzanians showed they had arrived and truly belonged to the Bamburi Super Series in its regional form.

On the upper scale the Lions yet again made it to the final where they squared off with defending champions the Rhinos. Lady Luck this time was on the Lions side as they upset a side that had been considered a shoe in for retaining their trophy.

Yes the Lions had finally won the trophy and after four previous attempts. Ironically they won it with a different franchise sponsor. Poor David Njoroge, he must be kicking himself.

The quality of rugby displayed in the 2008 edition was indeed very high. This definitely showed how well prepared the six franchises were.

The tournament again scored a first with the appearance of the first all Kenyan university franchise, the Nguvu Sharks. This exciting franchise made their long awaited debut and did themselves proud by making it to the semi-finals of the 2008 Bamburi Super Series.

The regional drive continues and hopefully 2009 will see Uganda finally join the party. Not only does one look forward to regional economic integration but also sports integration as well. Sport brings people together and once again it’s Bamburi Rugby that’s playing its rightful role and part.

The Power of Sport

words by Harvest Tones
photo by Anthony Kigondu

Sport is a lot more than dirty kit, sweaty bodies and broken bones. Sport has within it, the power to entertain and teach, and in the process create avenues for sustainable progression in communities. [Read more]

Looking Back To The 2008 Rugby Super Series

A Look At The 2008 Rugby Super Series
by Mike Kwambo

The 2008 Rugby Super Series sponsored by Bamburi Cement was an expanded event, featuring six franchises, namely the Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Lions and Rhinos with the new additions being the Sharks made up of Nairobi based universities and the Twigas from Tanzania. The teams were pooled in two groups of three teams each.

POOL 1: Cheetahs, Lions, Twigas
POOL 2: Buffaloes, Rhinos, Sharks

The inclusion of the Twigas from Tanzania saw the RSS spread its wings across the Kenyan border for the first time since its inception in 2003.

MATCH DAY ONE
Match day one saw the Twigas make their RSS debut with a home fixture in Arusha against four time losing finalists, Lions. And what a debut it was! The Twigas were on the receiving end of a 0-65 rout by the Lions in the match played on Saturday 8th March 2008.

In his post match comments, Twigas coach Tinus Aucamp spoke candidly, saying, “we were outplayed in all aspects of the game. It was the first time this season that we ran together as a team, and it will always be
difficult to perform against a well-trained squad which has clearly worked together for a while. “We also made many unforced mistakes, and the Lions’ pack put us under pressure. Our backline received the ball on their back feet. The Kenyans gave a clinical display of fast-running rugby and good support play “We knew from the start it would be difficult, seeing as Kenya club sides are the strongest in East Africa. Losing wasn’t really a surprise, but we expected to give them a good run for their money. Obviously we’re disappointed that we didn’t manage to get some points on the board.”

Lions’ coach Bill Githinji spoke highly of the Twigas, saying, “the Twigas were quite a good side that gave as much as they got. “Perhaps the biggest let down was that they had not trained together enough before the game. The only remedy is to put more effort into building team cohesion by playing together more.”

The other fixture saw the Rhinos beat the Buffaloes 37-8 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

MATCH DAY TWO
It was the Sharks’ turn to make their debut in the RSS. They were up against the Rhinos who were gunning for a second successive win that would see them through to the semi finals.

The Rhinos did enough to qualify for the semi finals courtesy of a hard fought 5-3 win against a Sharks side that totally ruffled their structure with the determined defence and hard running that is characteristic of varsity sides.

It is instructive to note that the Sharks missed three easy penalty attempts that would have won them the game. A lucky escape for the Rhinos but a win nonetheless.

The second fixture on match day two saw the perennial bridesmaids Lions take on the Cheetahs.

Previous encounters between these two sides had always been epic clashes. The 2004 and 2006 RSS finals when the Cheetahs overhauled massive deficits to claim the overall title are in the memories of many a rugby fan.

The match was as competitive as they get, the lead changing hands no more than five times between the two sides before the Lions nicked it 18-17, a win that earned them passage to the semi finals.

MATCH DAY THREE
The RSS returned to Arusha, Tanzania where the home side, Twigas played host to the Cheetahs. A win for either side would see them join the table-topping Lions in the semi finals.

The Cheetahs ran off 31-0 winners against the Twigas, though credit should go to the Twigas for putting up a much better defensive performance.

The second match took place at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds. The Sharks got the win they needed to qualify for the semis, running off 35-3; victors against the Buffaloes.

MATCH DAY FOUR
Match day four saw the RSS enter the semi final stage. The playoff for 5th/6th position was the curtain raiser to the semis. Buffaloes played Tanzania’s Twigas at the RFUEA in a match that saw 70 points shared
between the two sides. Buffaloes won the free flowing game 45-25.

The first semi final saw the Lions play the Sharks. The Lions were in pursuit of a fifth successive finals appearance while the rookie Sharks where keen on making an appearance in the final on their RSS debut.

Everything seemed to be going well for the Sharks, they led 9-5 going into the half time break but the more seasoned Lions overhauled this deficit, running off 30-14 winners, securing a record fifth successive RSS finals appearance.

The second match pitted the Rhinos against the Cheetahs. A dominant display from the Rhinos forwards saw them demolish the Cheetahs 39-13, securing a berth in the final.

MATCH DAY FIVE
The first order of business on this day was the 3rd/4th playoff pitting the Cheetahs against debutantes Sharks. The Sharks had a torrid first half, holding on to a 7-0 lead at the interval. They held out to beat the Cheetahs 20-18 and claim third place on their RSS debut.

The second and most important order of business was up next. The RSS title match pitting defending champions Rhinos against four time losing finalists Lions. The buzz around town going into this fixture was that it would be a closely contested match. Rhinos were the pre match favourites by virtue of being the defending champions.

Many in the rugby circles questioned the Lions ability to claim the title, given their legendary propensity to choke at the eleventh hour as witnessed in four consecutive RSS finals losses. The Lions came out guns blazing, pulverizing the Rhinos and the 13-6 lead they took into the half time break was not a fair reflection of
their first half dominance.

They turned on the style in the second half, pumping in twenty points against the Rhinos three. It was a game in which the Lions were dominant while the Rhinos were simply bereft of ideas. The 33-9 score line at the final whistle was just reward for the Lions players and their coach Bill Githinji, who in his maiden season at the Lions helped ended four years of RSS heartache in emphatic fashion.

That was the 2008 Rugby Super Series.

We look forward to more exciting action in the 2009 event.

Developing Rugby through the Super Series

Developing Rugby through the Super Series
by Thomas Odundo

The Kenyan Rugby Scene consists of 9 clubs in the top league and possibly 12 or so sides in the second division. The National 15-a-side team has traditionally had about four fixtures in any calendar year. Given that the National Coach is usually also a club coach, it was realized that it was difficult for him to consistently watch all the players in the leagues unless they were playing against his club. It was also difficult to put together an independent panel of selectors whose primary role was to select the National Team. The idea was thus mooted to bring all the players to one venue and give the coaches and selectors several uninterrupted weekends where only the top players would be in action. This would have the effect of having several mini-trial matches each weekend where the players would be out showcasing their abilities and talents as well as trying to out-perform each other.

The result of this was an event that can only be billed as the greatest rugby event in East Africa. The clubs were pooled together to form four teams. Each team was to conduct trials or do whatever was necessary to come up with the strongest possible team. The teams were then to play each other in a round-robin league with the top two sides qualifying for a final match to determine the winner of the series. Add to that the prospect of the biggest cash purse for all the participants in the event, and you had yourself extremely motivated players with their eyes on the top prize of representing the National Team.

The initial event in 2003 was an immediate success, with a strong Rhinos side emerging the champions. The subsequent years have seen the Lions make it to every final but lose to the Cheetahs twice, the Buffaloes and the Rhinos in succession. In 2008, the Lions finally broke their duck and won their most elusive trophy. The Lions remain the most consistent side in the event. It is no wonder then that they have formed the bulk of the National teams selected after the events. The other teams can however be said to contain players with that special or x-factor, that brings out winners and champions. The identification and sprinkling together of both elements in the National Team has contributed to the improvement and rise of the National Team in the world rankings.

A question then needs to be asked. Is the tournament playing a role in the development of rugby in Kenya and in the region? The answer is a resounding YES. Sample this; Nakuru RFC was in the Rhinos franchise in the inaugural event. Kisumu RFC was also in the Cheetahs franchise. Between the two teams, they contributed probably only 4 to 6 players to both franchises. During last year’s Super Series event, the franchises were reconstituted and the Buffaloes franchise consisted entirely of teams from the west of Nairobi, mainly Nakuru and Kisumu and the franchise was indeed very strong. The emergence of the Western franchise ultimately led to the formation of purely universities franchise, the Sharks in 2008. This has increased the number of franchises to 5 from Kenya alone and we can confidently state that from the best 100 players, we will now be having the best 125 players. Rather than diluting the event, I firmly believe it will provide more matches, more entertainment, more competition and eventually more better players. Possibly the next to be looked at should be a coastal franchise.

As far as individual development goes, the event has also proved itself more than capable. The event is traditionally held during the first half of the year when the 7-a-side team is either training for or is involved in the IRB World Sevens Series. This in effect means that roughly 15 to 20 of our “best” players are largely unavailable for the Super Series. This creates an opportunity for young, upcoming or talented players to fill that void and to show their ability at the top level. This opportunity to identify new or upcoming talent has greatly benefitted both the 15’s and 7’s national sides in that they are now able to draw from a larger pool of talented players. Sample this; the competition for twelve spaces in any IRB 7’s leg is now routinely contested for by between 25-30 players, all capable of making the team.

Bringing in the regional aspect, both Uganda and Tanzania have been very keen on joining the series. In 2008, Tanzania honoured the event with an appearance and in 2009 the games will now be more spread out geographically with the likely inclusion of the two Ugandan franchises. The event can now be said to have truly become a regional event. For Tanzania it is a bold step and the increase in number of matches their team will play should also spur growth of the game in Tanzania. For Uganda, they will also use the event to test their best 50 players as they build a team for the 2011 World Cup Qualifiers.

As a parting word may I say this event has only been possible with the kind support of the sponsors, beginning with the NAS Group and UAP Insurance in the formative years and which has been taken up by Bamburi from the third year to date. The event goes to show that with adequate structure and good support, it is possible to develop rugby in this country and in this region to a level where we can become a powerhouse in the game within the continent and eventually the world.