Africa Men’s Sevens tournament 2019 to kick off in South Africa
by Dias Nyesiga
South Africa Rugby Union is hosting the Africa Men’s Sevens tournament 2019 for the gold medal to qualify directly for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
14 African teams will compete on 8th and 9th November 2019 in the Bosman stadium in Johannesburg. The tournament is organised by Rugby Africa and together with partnership Société Générale.
Africa Men’s Sevens best two teams will be in the mix for the World Rugby Sevens Series qualifier tournament.
“I wish to thank SA Rugby for hosting this
important event. The Africa Rugby Men’s Sevens qualifier tournament for the
Olympic Games is a highlight at the end of the season,” said Khaled Babbou,
Rugby Africa President.
The participating teams are in order of the
current ranking: Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar, Zambia, Tunisia, Senegal,
Morocco, Namibia, Ghana, Botswana, Mauritius, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
Babbou added, “I am expecting truly competitive
matches and fantastic two days for the players and spectators. It’s another
milestone and an opportunity to showcase the development of Rugby on the
African continent.”
The Ivory Coast and Nigeria will make their
debut at the Men’s Sevens tournament.
Whilst,Zimbabwe is the defending champion with Kenya at its heels as one of the favourite teams in the tournament. South Africa and Kenya are currently competing at the World Series, but only South Africa is already directly qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
“We are honoured to organize the Rugby Africa
Men’s Sevens qualifier event for the Tokyo Olympic Games. South Africa is
already qualified through the World Series ranking, and we are pleased that
Africa will have at least two representatives in the Olympic tournament,” said Jurie
Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.
Rugby Africa is reaching a high standard of organisation and the teams that seriously worked on their fitness will compete well.
