TV47, under the umbrella of Cape Media Limited, has acquired exclusive broadcast rights for the 26th edition of the Safari Sevens, an international rugby tournament organized by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
This significant milestone follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Cape Media and KRU, establishing TV47 as the official media partner for the highly anticipated event. The partnership will enable TV47 to provide comprehensive coverage during the three-day tournament, scheduled to take place from October 11th to 13th, 2024, at the Machakos Kenyatta Stadium.
For the first time in its history, the Safari Sevens will be held outside Nairobi, offering fans, players, and the entire rugby community a refreshing and unique experience in Machakos County.
Exclusive Broadcast Rights and Partnership Details
According to the MOU, KRU and Cape Media have agreed that no other broadcasters, aside from the designated non-exclusive digital rights holders, will be granted broadcast rights for this year’s Safari Sevens tournament.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Kenya Rugby Union CEO, Thomas Odundo, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the importance of visibility for the participating teams.
“We are extremely happy to have partnered with Cape Media for the 26th edition of the Safari Sevens. This partnership will help provide much-needed visibility for all the teams and matches,” Odundo stated.
On his Part Cape Media CEO Mwenda Njoka stated that TV47 will broadcast live and pre-recorded matches while also promoting the tournament before kick-off, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
“The partnership will provide our audience with prime content that will not be aired in any other free to air channel during that tournament, our goal is to provide quality content to Rugby lovers and others who are interested in that sport.” Said Cape Media CEO Njoka.
Teams Confirmed for the 2024 Safari Sevens
This year’s Safari Sevens has attracted a total of 15 teams, evenly divided between men’s and women’s categories. The men’s category will feature 10 teams, while the women’s category will showcase five teams. Below is the list of confirmed teams:
Men’s Teams:
Kenya Shujaa (Defending champions) Kenya Morans, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Qatar, Shogun Rugby (formerly Samurai), Tropic7s and Mayotte
Women’s Teams:
Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Tropic7s, Spanish Barbarians and Shogun Rugby
As the defending champions, Kenya Shujaa will aim to retain the title they won during the 25th edition of the tournament.
A New Era for Safari Sevens
Moving the tournament to the Machakos Kenyatta Stadium marks a historic first for the Safari Sevens. The venue change is designed to offer a fresh experience to fans, players, and the entire rugby fraternity, demonstrating KRU’s commitment to growing the tournament’s appeal both locally and internationally.
Cape Media, which owns TV47, Radio 47, and TV47 Digital, is poised to provide comprehensive media coverage, ensuring that rugby enthusiasts across the country can follow all the action live from Machakos.
ALSO READ: Excitement continues to build ahead of the 26th edition of the Safari Sevens
