Nairobi City Thunder point guard Derrick Ogechi and Tusker FC captain Abud Omar have called on Kenyans to turn out in greater numbers to support local sport after experiencing the passion and energy surrounding the SportPesa National 7s Circuit at the Kabeberi 7s.
The two sports personalities attended the tournament held over the weekend at the RFUEA Grounds along Ngong’ Road, where rugby fans once again turned up in large numbers to cheer on their teams. For Ogechi, it was a new experience, having attended a rugby match for the first time.
The basketball player was impressed by the atmosphere and the commitment of rugby supporters, describing the experience as an opportunity to step outside his usual basketball environment and experience another sport.
“It feels good. This is my first rugby game, so I’m enjoying the moment, just trying to see a different sport outside basketball,” Ogechi said.
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While basketball has continued to build its own following in Kenya, Ogechi believes the level of fan engagement witnessed at rugby matches provides an example that other sports can learn from.
The Nairobi City Thunder guard hopes basketball can eventually create a similar atmosphere, with fans consistently showing up to watch local teams and players.
“The fans are all here. Hopefully basketball can build the same momentum,” he added.
For Ogechi, however, the bigger issue goes beyond basketball or rugby. He believes the growth of Kenyan sport depends heavily on fans making a deliberate effort to attend local competitions.
“Just keep coming out and support Kenyan sports. You know, we are only as good as the fans and the people that watch. So, the more fans we have at each event, the more the game grows,” he said.
Ogechi’s sentiments were echoed by Omar, who was also attending his first Kabeberi 7s. The Tusker FC captain said he had heard about the popularity of the tournament and decided to experience it for himself.
“I’ve been seeing a lot of people coming for these kind of events. It’s always hyped, so I was like, I have to come and witness it. It’s a good experience. It’s my first time and definitely next time I will come when it’s a rugby event to come and support,” Omar said.
The Tusker FC defender also stressed the importance of solidarity between different sporting disciplines, noting that athletes and fans can support each other rather than viewing sports as separate worlds.
“At the end of the day, they need our support and we also need theirs because we have AFCON coming up. I came to support them today and I hope when they have time they’ll also come and support football,” he added.
Omar, who was born in Mombasa, went a step further by turning his attention to the coast, where Mombasa Rugby Club is set to host the Driftwood 7s at Mombasa Sports Club this weekend.
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With the SportPesa National 7s Circuit heading to the coast, the Tusker captain urged rugby supporters in Mombasa to replicate the enthusiasm witnessed at Kabeberi and fill the venue in support of the home side.
“I urge all the fans to come out in large numbers and support the team,” Omar said.
The presence of Ogechi and Omar at Kabeberi 7s offered a reminder of the growing need for Kenyan athletes and sports personalities to cross over into different sporting spaces. Their message was simple: local sport can only grow when fans show up.
From rugby pitches to basketball courts and football stadiums, the two believe the energy created by supporters can make a significant difference.
For Ogechi, the challenge is now for basketball to build its own version of the vibrant atmosphere he experienced at RFUEA Grounds, while Omar hopes rugby players and enthusiasts will return the favour when the national team and local clubs take centre stage.