A word, a clause, or maybe a phrase would suffice to describe the Valentine’s weekend. However, it’ll have to be electric, a rippling symphony in how it’s told, to make one who missed the fan live it beyond the HSBC pitch and the cozy blankets and recliners in the movies.
And it just so happens that I live mine in prose, yet even so, I feel like my quill won’t do justice to how it all went down. Ooh, but I’ll tell a little.
I promise not to bore you with the intricacies of the game, for we’re still reeling from the thrashing by the US men’s team and the whipping by the Spanish women's team.
“We had a deal, you and I,” were the first words she said to me when I brought her accreditation at the security barrier. Security was tight, and unless you had a pre-purchased ticket (they sold out weeks earlier) or an official accreditation, you had no access to the venue.
But the Fan jerseys weren’t, and everywhere we looked, there were Shujaa caps and T-shirts. You can still order one for yourself, or for your friends and family at the TikoSHOP.
“We did, but hold,” I replied, smiling knowingly as we walked in.
Just after our tent was Garnier’s booth giving free sunscreens to the thousands who were baking in the hot sun while shouting themselves hoarse.
And with the promised gift hamper, I knew I’d be out of her crosshairs for failing to bring the promised sunscreen.
“Ooh, and I want a photo with the mascot,” she said, running to hug the 6-foot bear.
Well, it proved to be a fat gangling in the mascot running and dancing competitions. So awkward, so it was asked to exit the pitch, but it redeemed itself with its lovable aura. I’d love to shade it more, but that'll have to wait till our next event.
Walking through the packed village, the excitement in the air was palpable, mixed with the haze from open grills and music. The world was in Nyayo, milling with tumblers in hand!
And the fan village? Pure magic. We ducked into the SportPesa pavilion, plush sofas, massive screens beaming every sprint and scrum so you could chill without missing a beat.
Nearby, the huge Tusker tent pulsed with energy: a proper stage where Khaligraph Jones took over Saturday night, dropping bars that had the whole place jumping even as the sun dipped and a few raindrops tried to crash the party. Fans refused to leave; the vibes were that unbreakable.
Back to us: the promised hamper sealed the deal, anti-blemish serum, anti-blackhead magic, and micellar cleansing water. She flashed that post-Garnier glow, and just like that, I was out of the crosshairs. Valentine's rugby edition: scored.
Missed it? Join the TikoFANS crew for the next big one, earn TikoPoints, grab merch from TikoSHOP, and let's pack the next venue. Tickets drop on tikohub.com.
