KRU unveil Bidco Africa as Shujaa co-sponsors

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) have unveiled Bidco Africa as co-sponsors for the national sevens team Shujaa.

The two announced a three-year deal on Thursday with the multinational consumer goods company becoming Shujaa’s second sponsor following their 2016 multi-million deal with a betting company.

The Bidco Africa logo will be displayed on the back of the national team rugby jerseys with the sponsorship also catering for the Kenya Lionesses as well as support for Kenya Rugby school programmes.

Bidco will help the KRU in rugby development programmes.

Under the new sponsorship, Shujaa will honour all their ten circuit competitions that include the Commonwealth and the World Rugby Cup in 2018.

The consumer goods manufacturer also obtained the sponsorship rights for the display of their logo back of the women’s national rugby sevens team rugby jerseys.

Bidco Africa Group Director Chris Diaz, said sport was a key pillar of the company’s engagement with its consumers, as it directly aligns with their philosophy of “Happy, Healthy, and Living”.

“We at Bidco wish to support sports in our country and our rugby teams both men and Women are doing a wonderful job and would love to support the team for the next three years and develop Rugby in our grassroots level to bring out the talent in them,” Diaz told Citizen Digital.

The sponsorship deal will also support Kenya Rugby Union in its goal of using diet and proper nutrition to nature their players.

“If players want to be in their best shape to do well in rugby, then they need to get their diets right, effective training and recovery, together with healthy eating, are the key ingredients to performing to your best,” Diaz added.

Diaz’ sentiments were echoed by Kenya Rugby Chairman Richard Omwela who said that the Sevens players and management will receive a monthly healthy package from Bidco.

“Shujaa has grown over the years from strength to strength and is now the team to beat in Dubai and the World Rugby 7’s circuit; I also appreciate the support going out to the Lionesses a part of this deal.”

The chairman was flanked by Kenya Sevens Players Andrew Amonde, Billy Odhiambo, and Kenya lionesses Skipper Philadelphia Olando in the ceremony of unveiling the sponsorship deal.

Kenya Lionesses failed to travel to the Dubai Sevens due to lack of funds according to Chairman Omwela but was optimistic the sponsorship will fix the issues at hand.

The Shujaa national team will kick off their Dubai Sevens campaign this weekend with Canada and follow it up with neighbours Uganda and wind up with a rumble against South Africa.

The national team under the watchful eye of Innocent Simiyu ended last season’s campaign in 12th place with 63 points and will be hoping to improve on their Dubai rankings.

They are currently in Dubai for the opening leg of the 2017/18 HSBC World series that gets underway on Friday.