SportPesa powers East African sport with landmark Shabana deal, Rugby Sevens finale, and Simba vs Gor showdown

SportPesa, East Africa’s leading sports and entertainment brand, has reinforced its dominance in sports development with a string of bold investments and cultural milestones. From reviving community clubs to backing continental rivalries and electrifying nationwide tournaments, SportPesa is driving a new era of sporting excellence across the region.

Shabana FC revival: Sh75M for community pride

In August 2024, SportPesa unveiled a Sh75 million sponsorship for Shabana FC, covering three FKF Premier League seasons. This deal brings stability to the beloved Kisii-based club and positions it alongside Gor Mahia and Murang’a Seal in SportPesa’s growing portfolio of top-flight partnerships.

The investment guarantees player salaries, professional training, and stronger fan engagement. Leaders, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati, hailed the deal as a “new chapter for community football.” Fans welcomed it with renewed optimism, celebrating new player signings that signal Shabana’s ambition to rise again as a powerhouse in Kenyan football.

Rugby spotlight: Sevens tournament lights up Kenya

The SportPesa Rugby Sevens Series has captured the imagination of fans nationwide. Spanning seven Kenyan cities, the tournament has combined world-class rugby with cultural celebrations, creating a festival atmosphere unlike any other.

Backed by a Sh15 million sponsorship package, the series has invested in prize money, logistics, media coverage, and grassroots rugby initiatives. This model promotes accountability while fueling growth for clubs and communities. As the grand finale approaches, stadiums and online platforms are drawing record numbers, reaffirming rugby’s central place in Kenya’s sporting identity.

Regional football on fire: Simba vs Gor Mahia showdown

One of East Africa’s most anticipated rivalries came alive when Simba SC hosted Gor Mahia during the 2025 Simba Day celebrations in Dar es Salaam. Tens of thousands of fans packed the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for a cultural and sporting spectacle.

Simba’s 2–0 victory, with goals from Mohamed Hamza and Steven Mukwala, was the highlight of the day, alongside the unveiling of star signings such as goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman. More than just a match, the event showcased football’s unifying power across borders — and SportPesa’s role in growing clubs, amplifying fan experiences, and making East African rivalries global spectacles.

Beyond sponsorships: Tujiamini and the future of sport

SportPesa’s commitment extends beyond elite clubs and tournaments. Through the Tujiamini initiative, the company invests in grassroots football, youth academies, and mentorship programs that provide aspiring athletes with resources and visibility. By giving young talents nationwide a pathway to professionalism, Tujiamini ensures that the next generation of Kenyan and East African athletes will thrive.

A new era for fans, players, and communities

From the revival of Shabana FC to the Rugby Sevens tour and the unforgettable Simba vs Gor Mahia clash, best online betting brand is shaping the region’s sporting future through partnerships that deliver stability, accountability, and excitement.

Fans are experiencing more access than ever before. Players are benefiting from reliable salaries and professional structures. Communities are seeing investment flow from grassroots to elite levels.

SportPesa is not just sponsoring sport — it is building a movement of pride, performance, and progress Kenya and Tanzania.

Read Also: SportPesa crowned Kenya’s no.1 betting brand with five-star recognition at the 2025 Excellent Brands Awards