Marco Jones praises Kenyan fans after impressive Safari 7s try

Marco Jones has praised Kenyan rugby fans for the warm reception he has received during his first appearance at the Safari 7s, despite his side, Gel Squad 7s enduring a difficult campaign at the 28th edition of the tournament.

The ‘big-bodied’ player caught the attention of fans on Friday at Nyayo National Stadium when Gel Squad 7s faced Kenya Morans in their opening match.

Although the South African side eventually suffered a 40-17 defeat after the Morans staged an impressive comeback, Jones produced one of the standout moments of the encounter.

Jones showed surprising pace for a player of his size, breaking away from around the halfway line and beating his opponent on pace before completing a remarkable run to the try line.

The effort quickly became a talking point among fans, with his combination of strength and speed earning him attention both at the stadium and online.

The player nicknamed the Donderweer Bus, speaking to Sportpesa blog has shared on his first Safari 7s experience terming it challenging but enjoyable.

“It has been good and it has been tough. It is a new experience, but I love every moment of it,” Jones said.

ALSO READ: Shujaa, Kenya Morans storm into 2026 Safari 7s main cup quarterfinals unbeaten

Asked about the spectacular try and the positive reaction it attracted, Jones was quick to give credit to his faith, explaining that his main focus was on getting his team back into the contest.

“I just feel blessed. It is God’s work, so I feel blessed. I was just thinking that I wanted to get over the line and score the try so I could get my team back in the game, regroup and hopefully try to win it,” he added.

Despite the individual highlight, Jones admitted that Gel Squad 7s had not reached the level they expected during the competition. Their opening loss to Kenya Morans was followed by a 24-17 defeat against Zimbabwe before they fell 29-12 to Wonder Sevens.

The three defeats ended their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals, leaving the side with plenty to reflect on after a challenging tournament.

Jones, however, remained determined to keep his teammates motivated, insisting that they would continue working hard while making the most of their time in Kenya.

“We haven’t performed exactly as we wanted, but we keep trying and keep pushing. I just want the guys to enjoy themselves and work harder,” he said.

ALSO READ: Shujaa, Kenya Morans storm into 2026 Safari 7s main cup quarterfinals unbeaten

Away from the pitch, Jones spoke positively about his experience in Nairobi, highlighting the hospitality of the local fans and the atmosphere created by supporters at Nyayo Stadium.

“It has been great. You guys have welcomed us with a warm heart, as you can see, and the crowd is going crazy. It has been fun. I have been enjoying every moment, the food and the stay here,” Jones said.

The reception from Kenyan corner has clearly been one of the highlights of his visit, with his impressive try helping him connect with fans despite Gel Squad 7s’ disappointing results.

Jones also had a special message for the supporters who have cheered him on throughout the tournament, expressing his gratitude for their encouragement.

“To the fans, I want to say thank you. It is a blessing playing here. Thank you for supporting me, and it is nice to be here,” he concluded.

While Gel Squad 7s may not have secured a place in the knockout stages, Jones leaves the group-stage campaign having delivered a memorable individual moment and enjoyed an experience that has left a positive impression on him. His remarks also underline the role Kenyan rugby fans continue to play in making Safari 7s a welcoming destination for visiting teams and players.