Wayne Rooney set to reappear with Everton in Tanzania, Africa

Wayne Rooney was the centre of attention in Tanzania on Thursday – the 31-year-old is set to make his first appearance back in an Everton shirt against Kenyan side Gor Mahia. Rooney rejoined his boyhood club from Manchester United last week on a free transfer after 13 years at Old Trafford.

Toffees in Africa

Everton are touring East Africa as part of their preparations for the upcoming Premier League season after signing a deal with Kenyan betting firm SportPesa to become the club's new shirt sponsor. The Toffees received a warm welcome after arriving in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday with large numbers of Tanzanian football fans eager to greet Rooney and his new team-mates.

Manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed all players making the trip will play at least 45 minutes in the game against the reigning Kenyan champions, which kicks off at 1700 local time (1500 CEST). In May, Everton announced they had penned a five-year sponsorship deal with SportPesa to succeed Thai brewing company Chang.

Everton strike new shirt sponsorship deal

SportPesa, which is looking to increase its visibility through the Premier League, is further strengthening its ties with the city of Liverpool by moving its European headquarters there.

The Kenyan company were Hull City's shirt sponsors last season, but the Tigers were relegated from the top flight at the end of the 2016-17 campaign. SportPesa also has partnership agreements with Arsenal and Southampton.