Lady ruggers secure sh15m boost

By Johnson Were

Fixtures (Saturday)

Uganda v Namibia (11:20 am)

Uganda v Zimbabwe (1:20 pm)

Tunisia v Uganda (3:40pm) 

THE Women Rugby National Sevens team to the Confederation of Africa Rugby 7s tournament secured a Sh15m sponsorship boost from Global IT solutions firm Dimension Data. 

The funds will cover the team’s allowances, training kit and changing kits while in Nairobi for the entire week they shall spend there.

Team captain Helen Buteme lauded Dimension Data for the timely support and promised that her charges will deliver in the one day tournament on Saturday April 12, 2014 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

 “I’m overwhelmed by this support, the girls endured harsh conditions during the two months preparations and our spirits are charged for positive results,” an emotional Buteme stated.

“The stakes are high as the winner will represent Africa in the 2014/2015 IRB Women’s Rugby 7s Series and that is our focus,” Buteme added.

The team that departed on Sunday is camped at Nairobi at Brook House International School for acclimatization before heading to Machakos on Friday for their opening fixtures against Namibia on Saturday.

Dimension Data general manager George Mbalu stated “Dimension Data will always support Ugandan rugby whenever they knock on our door.”

“The ladies have posted results on the international scene and we as DD are privileged to associate with them and we shall continue with the support,” Mbalu stressed.

SQUAD: Helen Koyokoyo Buteme (capt), Brenda Kayiyi (asst capt), Asha Nakityo, Claire Anena, Emmanuella Oroma, Hellen Gizamba, Hilda Nyiraguhirwa, Joan Mukoya, Mary Kyoita, Regina Athieno and Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi.

OFFICIALS: Anthony Kinene (coach), Mike Wandera (asst coach), Dorothy Nekesa (team manager) and Wilbrod Makumbi (physiotherapist).