“From a piece of driftwood, our legacy is curved,” began Rogers Lai, Chairman of the Rugby Section of Mombasa Sports Club. “That was back in the 1980s at Driftwood Beach Club, Malindi, before moving officially to Mombasa Sports Club in 1990.”
Polished to a high sheen and exuding the aura of a one-of-a-kind accolade, the wooden legacy stands apart in the MSC's trophy cabinet.
“Brought in by the tides, now rugby meets the ocean breeze, and this year's roar of rugby fans promises to be the biggest one just yet,” says Mr. Lai, a former player whose illustrious career in rugby spans well over two decades. He joined the club in 2002, hung up his boots in 2016, and has chaired the section for five years.
The weather hinted at promise, a warm, gentle breeze carried in the soft rain. And the grounds, renovated and maintained over the past year, promised action unrivaled among the biggest rugby heavyweights, among them, Kenya Harlequins, “the most successful team historically at Driftwood 7s,” KCB, Mwamba, Impala, Nondies, and Mombasa’s very own MSC Rugby.
“Our age-grade rugby, among our biggest milestones, will also feature this year,” says Mr. Lai, emphasizing the club's commitment to bringing in more homegrown players through partnerships with Secondary and Primary schools.
“We work with the Khamisi High School rugby team, Tudor Day, among others, and with the wealth of experience within our team, flanked by Head Coach Lewis Olaka, we are confident that the coastal region will soon become a rugby powerhouse in the circuit,” he adds, mentioning MSC's lack of a win in the Driftwood Series and their team’s confidence in this year’s leg.
The attendance has also grown over the past three years by over a thousand annually.
“Last year, we had a total attendance of 6,000. The other year, we were looking at around 4,000. Our target is 10,000 this year,” says Lai, highlighting that the grounds are over 25 acres and able to accommodate the number.
The venue's location has also been vital. A few metres from Mbaraki Police, and easily accessible from Town, Ferry landing, and Makupa.
“Our partners have also played a crucial role in our growth,” he says, mentioning Tusker, TikoHUB, Listen Media, and other in-kind sponsors.
This year's entertainment lineup is designed to cater to everyone, Lai says, “from the high-energy Gen Z crowd to seasoned Rhumba lovers.”
The tournament partners, Tusker, will host the Sherehe night. right after the final game, and runs late into the night with three top DJs spinning high-energy sets until 3 a.m.
To balance the energy, Sunday introduces a brand-new concept: Rugby Rhumba. Aimed at fans 40+, this mellow, nostalgic session brings the rhythm and charm of classic Rhumba into the Driftwood vibe. As Lai puts it, “We’re putting everybody in, it’s a full house entertainment package.”
Emphasizing the role of fans, Lai says that they are seeking to capitalize on this and provide premium experiences hosting international, 7s, and 15s.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with TikoHUB for ticketing, to minimize fraud, prevent system breakdowns, and ensure a smooth, satisfying experience for our fans.”
You can purchase the tickets on TikoHUB.
