Samuel Asati, the talented scrumhalf for the Kenya Sevens rugby team, is calling on potential investors to step up and support the national team as they prepare for one of their most challenging seasons yet. With the HSBC SVNS Series on the horizon, Asati’s plea for investment comes in the wake of Kenya Sevens’ participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they finished a respectable ninth. This performance has only deepened the team’s determination to improve and achieve even greater success on the global stage.
Reflecting on the Paris 2024 Olympics Experience
The Paris 2024 Olympics provided Kenya Sevens with an opportunity to compete at the highest level of rugby. The team was placed in a challenging pool alongside rugby powerhouses like Samoa, Australia, and Argentina. Despite the stiff competition, Kenya Sevens managed to hold their own, finishing ninth overall. For Asati, the experience was both eye-opening and educational.
“The Olympic experience was nothing short of amazing,” Asati shared with Mozzart Sport. “Competing at the highest level taught us invaluable lessons, but it also highlighted the need for more investment in our team. We faced some of the best teams in the world, and while we learned a lot, it was clear that with more resources, we could have performed even better.”
The Need for Early Preparations
With the HSBC SVNS Series kicking off in less than three months, Asati is emphasizing the importance of early preparations. The Emirates Dubai Sevens, which is the first leg of the series, is set to take place from November 30th to December 1st, 2024. Asati believes that starting preparations early is crucial for the team to be competitive.
“We need to secure our place in the HSBC Series, and for that, we must start our preparations as early as possible,” Asati stated. “We’re calling on investors to support us because playing in the HSBC requires both team and financial investment. Without adequate preparation, it’s difficult to compete at such a high level.”
The Role of Investment in Success
Investment in sports is not just about money; it’s about ensuring that teams have the resources they need to succeed. For Kenya Sevens, this means having access to top-notch training facilities, expert coaching staff, and the opportunity to participate in high-level tournaments ahead of the HSBC SVNS Series. Asati believes that with the right backing, the team can achieve even greater success on the world stage.
“Investment is crucial for our success,” Asati emphasized. “We need to have the best facilities, the best coaches, and the opportunity to compete in more international tournaments. This will not only help us improve our skills but also build our confidence as a team. The HSBC Series is one of the most prestigious rugby tournaments in the world, and we want to make sure we are ready to compete at our best.”
Lessons Learned from the Challenger Series
In addition to the Olympics, Kenya Sevens also competed in the HSBC Challenger Series, where they gained valuable experience. However, Asati admits that the team still has a long way to go and that more high-level exposure is needed.
“The Challenger Series was a great experience for us,” Asati reflected. “It gave us a taste of what it’s like to compete at the top level. But the Olympics showed us that there’s still a big gap between us and the best teams in the world. We need more exposure to high-level competitions if we want to bridge that gap.”
The Importance of High-Level Exposure
Exposure to high-level competition is essential for any team looking to improve. For Kenya Sevens, this means participating in more international tournaments and facing off against some of the best teams in the world. Asati believes that this will not only help the team improve their skills but also build their mental toughness.
“We learned a lot from playing against teams like Australia and Argentina,” Asati said. “The level of competition was intense, and it pushed us to our limits. But we need more of that. We need to be playing against the best teams regularly if we want to improve. That’s why investment is so important. It will allow us to participate in more tournaments and get the exposure we need to succeed.”
Looking Ahead to the HSBC SVNS Series
As the HSBC SVNS Series approaches, the Kenya Sevens team is focused on making sure they are fully prepared. The Emirates Dubai Sevens will be the first test for the team, and Asati is confident that with the right backing, they can perform well.
“We’re really looking forward to the HSBC SVNS Series,” Asati said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to show what we can do on the world stage. But we know that we need to be at our best if we want to compete. That’s why we’re calling on investors to support us. With the right investment, we believe we can achieve great things.”
Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Support
Samuel Asati’s plea for investment is a clear indication of the team’s determination to succeed. Kenya Sevens has already shown that they have the talent and the potential to compete at the highest level. However, to truly reach their goals, they need the support of investors who believe in their vision.
As the team prepares for the HSBC SVNS Series, the hope is that potential investors will recognize the value of supporting a team that represents Kenya on the global stage. With the right backing, there’s no telling how far Kenya Sevens can go.
“We’re ready to give it our all,” Asati concluded. “But we can’t do it alone. We need the support of our fans, our sponsors, and our investors. Together, we can take Kenya Sevens to new heights.
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