Kenya Harlequin head coach Paul Murunga remains optimistic about his team’s chances of securing the Kenya Cup title despite a narrow 26-24 loss to Nondescripts in the Ngong Road derby over the weekend. The defeat marked Harlequin’s first loss of the season, leaving them fifth on the league table with 21 points, boosted by a losing bonus point.
Murunga expressed that the game provided important lessons for his side, emphasizing the positives they could take from the encounter. “We didn’t utilize our chances as effectively as we could have. However, I think we can still take positives, especially from our second-half performance where we fought our way back into the game,” he remarked.
The coach was resolute in his belief that the team remains firmly in contention for the title. Comparing the competition to a marathon, he noted, “This is the Kenya Cup – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Losing to Nondies doesn’t mean we’re out of the race.” The tight loss highlighted the competitive nature of the Kenya Cup, with Harlequin fighting valiantly to the end despite coming up short.
The loss also marked the third consecutive derby defeat for Harlequin against Nondies since the latter’s return to the Kenya Cup. The dramatic clash ended Harlequin’s unbeaten streak, underscoring the fierce rivalry between the two teams. While the defeat was a setback, the match showcased Harlequin’s resilience, particularly in the second half, as they attempted to claw their way back into the game.
Meanwhile, Kabras RFC reclaimed the top spot on the standings after an emphatic 73-0 victory over Mwamba. With five consecutive wins, Kabras now sits on 25 points, boasting an impressive point differential of 312. The defending champions edged out KCB Rugby, who are also on 25 points but trail with a point differential of 280. Both teams remain unbeaten, but Kabras’ commanding performances have given them the edge in the standings.
Menengai Oilers also continued their unbeaten run, maintaining 25 points after a dominant display against Blak Blad. The Oilers’ strong form has kept them in the mix for the top spot as the race for the Kenya Cup intensifies. Nondies, on the other hand, moved to fourth place following their hard-fought win against Harlequin, signaling their intent to challenge the traditional powerhouses in the league.
Despite the setback, Harlequin remains focused on their ultimate goal of lifting the Kenya Cup. The team will need to capitalize on the lessons learned from their loss to Nondies and find ways to improve their execution in crucial moments. With a competitive field and several teams vying for the title, every game will be critical as the season progresses.
The Kenya Cup has once again proven to be a tightly contested competition, with top teams showcasing their quality and depth. Harlequin will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures, knowing that the race is far from over. The league’s unpredictable nature and the high level of competition ensure that the title race remains open, with plenty of drama yet to unfold.
As the season continues, Harlequin’s ability to respond to challenges and maintain consistency will determine their fate in the marathon that is the Kenya Cup. For now, the focus will be on regrouping and building momentum as they aim to climb back into contention and secure their place among the league’s elite.
