Gel Squad 7s captain Nazir Jefta has praised Kenyans for their warmth and hospitality following his side’s experience at the 28th edition of the Safari 7s, describing the atmosphere in Kenya as something special compared to what he is accustomed to in South Africa.
Jefta was at the helm of the South African-based outfit during the international rugby sevens tournament, which brought together local and international teams for three days of exciting action at Nyayo National Stadium.
Although Gel Squad failed to progress beyond the group stage, the tournament provided the side with an opportunity to test itself against different opponents while experiencing the passion that surrounds rugby in Kenya.
Beyond the results on the pitch, Jefta was particularly impressed by the reception his team received from Kenyan fans, saying the atmosphere and the people made their visit memorable.
“I have to say, Kenyan people, you are very humble, and I love the vibe. I am from South Africa, where they think we have vibes, but the vibe is here, guys. I love it here,” Jefta said.
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His remarks reflected the welcoming environment that continues to make Safari 7s a special occasion for visiting teams, with supporters turning up to enjoy the rugby and celebrate the tournament’s unique atmosphere.
For Gel Squad, the competition was also an important learning experience, as the players were making their first appearance at an international tournament and travelling outside their familiar environment to compete against unfamiliar opposition.
Despite their early exit, Jefta was pleased with the effort shown by his players, insisting that he was proud of the team’s performance given the circumstances.
“It is our first time playing in an international tournament, and it is also our first time travelling, so there are a lot of things to take into consideration. But so far, I think the boys did well, and I am very proud of them,” he added.
The captain acknowledged that competing at this level required the team to adjust quickly, with every match presenting a different challenge. For a side making its international debut, the experience offered valuable lessons that could prove useful in future competitions.
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With the 28th edition of Safari 7s now concluded, Jefta also highlighted the importance of consistency, noting that teams cannot afford to take any opponent lightly in a tournament where small mistakes can make the difference between victory and defeat.
“I think the lesson learnt is that, as a team, you must be at your A-game in every match. There are no easy games; you must be at your best at all times. I think that has been the main lesson,” he said.
His assessment underlined the competitive nature of rugby sevens, where the fast pace of the game leaves little room for complacency and teams must maintain their intensity from the opening whistle to the final hooter.
While Gel Squad may not have achieved its target of reaching the knockout stages, the experience gave the South African-based side a taste of international competition and an opportunity to identify areas that need improvement.
For Jefta, however, the memories of Safari 7s extend beyond the results. The captain leaves Kenya with valuable lessons for his team and a strong appreciation for the hospitality of Kenyan fans, whose energy and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on the visiting side.