Asati calls for investment in Kenya Sevens ahead of HSBC SVNS Series

Kenya Sevens scrumhalf Samuel Asati has issued a heartfelt plea to potential investors to support the national team as they embark on their journey in the HSBC SVNS Series.

The team has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, including returning to the prestigious series and representing the country at the Olympics. Asati expressed his belief that with the right investment, the team can reach even greater heights.

“Our main goal is to make sure we remain in the HSBC Series. We must start preparations early for that to happen. We are calling on investors to put more into us because playing in the HSBC needs investment both in the team and cashflow,” he told Mozzart Sport.

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With less than three months remaining until the first leg of the prestigious series, Asati emphasized the importance of starting an early camp to sharpen the team's skills.

The season kicks off with the Emirates Dubai Sevens from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 1 December 2024 at The Sevens Stadium.

“We should also have our camp much earlier. Playing in this local sevens circuit is also giving us great experience,” he revealed.

Lessons Learned in Paris

At the same time, the talented scrumhalf revealed lessons learned at the Paris 2024 Olympics where he was part of the Kenya Sevens team that finished ninth.

“The Olympic experience was quite amazing. Playing at the highest level in the world was an honour. I feel honoured that I experienced what the Olympics had to offer,” he recalled.

Kenya was placed in a tricky pool that saw them lock horns with Samoa, Australia, and Argentina. For Asati, the level of competition was mind-blowing.

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“I expected that intense level of competition, having to play with the elite athletes at such a level was a good one and we enjoyed the sport,” he averred.

Experience gained

“I learned confidence, general team play, playing my role well, and composure. Back to the team, I bring leadership, great play and composure to the team,” he said.

Shujaa were coming off an impressive season where they competed in the HSBC Challenger Series. Asati admitted that the top-tier experience came in handy during the Olympics, but insisted on more high-level exposure to enable them to perform at the highest level.

“I felt like we could have done better, coming from the challenger series. The Olympics shocked us. If we had been exposed to such a high level of competition quite early, we would have performed much better,” he disclosed.

He was part of the team that helped KCB Rugby retain their Kabeberi 7s title last weekend. The Bankers nailed Menengai Oilers 29-7 to retain their title for a record third time.

The National Sevens Circuit defending champions currently sit third on the table with 67 points and will be looking to amass maximum points in the remaining two legs to retain their title.