DBA Africa to acquire new name after groundbreaking partnership
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 09.09.24. | 21:31
The partnership that is aimed at supporting the development of youth rugby in the country marks a significant step for DBA, who have taken an active role in fostering rugby talent in East Africa
Dream Believe Achieve (DBA) Africa is set to change its name to DBA Wazi Wazi Rugby Academy after entering into a partnership with Wazi-Wazi, a Japanese social enterprise.
The partnership that is aimed at supporting the development of youth rugby in the country marks a significant step for DBA, who have taken an active role in fostering rugby talent in East Africa.
This milestone follows a successful one-month coaching exchange program that saw former Kenyan international and DBA coach, Patrice Agunda travel to Japan.
During his stay, Agunda worked with Japan's national team, the U20 squad, and visited various local academies, fostering a rich exchange of rugby knowledge and culture between the two nations.
The milestone will also provide additional opportunities for DBA coaches to upskill through exchange programs in Japan.
Online coaching clinics will also be made available through the partnership.
Players will also get a piece of the cake as the partnership will pave the way for aspiring players to pursue scholarships through exchange programs.
Speaking when signing the partnership, representative of Wazi-Wazi and former Japan national captain Toshiaki Hirose was pleased with the initiative, emphasizing its potential to make a significant impact on the future of Kenyan sports.
"We are very excited to start the partnership with DBA Africa. This collaboration has big potential. We are looking forward to seeing the Kenya kids grow up through rugby and to bridge the gap between Kenya and Japan,” Hirose offered.
DBA Africa director Lyle Asiligwa also welcomed the move, highlighting its role in ensuring that players from diverse backgrounds have the chance to shine on both national and international stages.
"The partnership with Wazi-Wazi opens up exciting new avenues for our young players and coaches. We look forward to the positive impact this will have and being bigger and better,” Asiligwa averred.
DBA Africa continues to be at the forefront of rugby development in East Africa.
The organization is behind the innovative Futures Cup, the first regional under-15 rugby representative tournament in East Africa.
It is also involved in local and international rugby scholarships, including Rayvone Amunga who is in the United Kingdom at Bryanston and U18 Bath Academy.
