The atmosphere on the opening day was electric despite a cap of 15,000 tickets suggested by World Rugby for the two-day tournament.

For organizational purposes and logistics, World Rugby put a limit on the number of tickets that could be made available to the fans for the tournament at the Nyayo National Stadium. As a result, the available tickets were sold out one week before the event.

Consequently, Kenya Rugby Union had to urge fans who missed out to make alternative arrangements that included watching the matches from different venues. KRU did not do a good job of explaining to the fans the restrictions made by World Rugby.

Fans interviewed by various media at the venue on Saturday loudly wondered why there were many empty spaces despite an announcement by KRU that the tickets were sold out. 

Two Songs

Two songs have been synonymous with Kenyan teams in the circuit away from home. One of them is the all-time classic Unbwogable by Gidi Gidi Maji Maji, a defiant powerful anthem for change and statement by Shujaa against other top teams. It just means they are unshakable. 

It was surreal when the fans acknowledged one of the composers and radio host who was at the venue. The fans gave the love back to the individual by singing Unbwogable. Besides Unbwogable, Kenya teams especially Lionesses identify with another song Daima Mkenya by Eric Wainaina who is also known for his Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo rendition. 

Festive Energy

Perhaps the festive energy at the venue drew admiration from rugby fans all over as one commentator from New Zealand stated the Tier One competition missed Kenyan fans.This particular commentator who provides live audio commentary on various rugby matches noted fans at the top tier competition were few. 

The only exception was in South Africa where there was a large turn out for the second tournament in Cape Town, South Africa that was won by the hosts. But the commentator stated that a decision by World Rugby to reduce the number of teams from 16 to 12 and eventually eight robbed the hosting venues of the energy brought by Kenya fans. 

Watch Parties

For those who could not make it to the venue, there were a few watch parties at popular social venues which could not adequately replicate the stadium atmosphere. Other fans also missed out after being geoblocked from accessing streaming by RugbyPass.

The second day promises to be decisive as teams return to the pitch to battle for a top position ahead of the next two legs. For Kenya captain George Ooro, their mission on the opening day was to give love back to the fans on a date meant for love.

If the atmosphere in Nairobi could be replicated in Uruguay and Brazil, the second tier competition could be the envy of the top tier.