31 January 2025
DBA Africa’s 2024: A Year of Growth, Opportunity, and Impact
With 2024 in the rear-view mirror, DBA Africa reflects on an incredible year of development, partnerships, and ground-breaking initiatives. From expanding our academies to providing life-changing opportunities for young athletes, 2024 cemented DBA’s role as Kenya’s leading sports development social enterprise, setting the stage for an even bigger 2025.
Rugby and Football Tournaments and Academies Across Kenya
This year saw the successful expansion of four regional rugby academies, including Rift Valley, which now operates four distinct academies, Coastal Academy in Diani, and a girls’ Academy in Western Kenya, launched in partnership with Kabras Rugby.
Despite the last-minute, unavoidable postponement of the Futures Cup, DBA adapted by restructuring it into three tournaments held in Nairobi, Kakamega, and Diani. For the first time, four girls' franchises competed, proving their place in the tournament with a remarkable display of skill and determination. We’re grateful to Kabras, KCB and South Coast Pirates for partnering as hosts for these successful tournaments.
Meanwhile, the U13 Kingsley Cup made its debut at St Andrew’s Turi, in the Rift Valley, offering these young athletes more competitive rugby. These competitions provided invaluable experience and exposure to higher-levels of competition thanks to Kingsley School in the UK who support our DBA’s U13 age grade rugby. In addition, we took the U13 Nairobi Academy team to the inaugural Academy Trophy section at Ndume 7s run by Pembroke School, with our scrum half winning tournament MVP.
On the football front, the Tujiamini na SportPesa initiative hosted eight regional tournaments where grassroots teams competed for a SportPesa three-year sponsorship package. Each event brought together passionate footballers, coaches, and communities, showcasing the depth of talent in Kenyan football.
Academy Partnership with Wazi-Wazi and Coaching Exchange Program
In collaboration with Wazi-Wazi, a Japanese company founded by former Japan national captain Toshiaki Hirose, the DBA Wazi-Wazi Nairobi Academy introduced life skills and player development into their training program. With the partnership already bearing fruit in the development of players on and off the field, the Academy to national team player pathway is slowly taking shape.
This partnership also kickstarted DBA’s coaching exchange program, with Patrice Agunda traveling to Japan for a month-long exchange. During his visit, he engaged with academies and schools and even had the opportunity to meet Japan national rugby head coach Eddie Jones.
Additionally, Hassan Ali joined Kingsley School in the UK on a six-month coaching exchange, where he worked closely with their Director of Sports, gaining invaluable coaching experience to bring back to DBA.
Tujiamini na SportPesa: Investing in Sports Development
Beyond the pitch, the Tujiamini initiative invested Ksh 30 million in sports equipment and sponsorships, benefiting hundreds of individuals, teams, and clubs. This support has empowered athletes, schools, and community clubs to train and compete at higher levels, keeping the dream of professional sports alive for many.
Fuelling Athletes for Success
Through our partnership with Everybodies a Nutritional supplements company based in the UK & Dubai, DBA provided over 4,000 meals to athletes across our academies and additional programs. Proper nutrition is essential for peak performance, and this partnership has ensured that young athletes start their day right with a nutritious meal.
Scholarships: Local and International
DBA’s commitment to education and sports development saw several student athletes earn scholarships, both locally and abroad. Rayvon Ambale continues to shine at Bryanston School in the UK, earning selection to the Bath U18 Academy as a 17- year-old.
Back home, local scholarships have been awarded to 12 DBA athletes, allowing them to access quality education while developing their sporting careers. Through tournaments and exposure to high-level competition, many students have secured placements in top schools across Kenya.
Creating Employment and Looking Ahead to 2025
Through our expanding initiatives, DBA created over 50 employment opportunities in coaching, administration, and event management, further strengthening Kenya’s sports industry.
With such a transformative year behind us, 2025 promises to be even bigger, more tournaments, scholarships, coaching exchanges, and community impact programs are on the horizon. As we continue to grow, one thing remains certain, DBA Africa is committed to using sport as a tool for social development.