Kenya Harlequins head coach Paul Murunga believes his team’s performance in the recent Ingo 7s tournament was well-deserved, especially after narrowly missing out on victory at the Christie 7s. The Quins suffered a heart-wrenching 17-12 loss against Kabras Sugar in the final of the Christie 7s, but they made a remarkable comeback by defeating a resurgent KCB side with a similar scoreline in Kakamega on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
“I think after being knocked out in the final in the first tournament and the way we played the last tournament, Christie 7s, it was evident that the boys are up to the task and they are ready to fight with the big boys,” Murunga said. “Considering in the last tournament we met Menengai Oilers along the way, Catholic Monks have been playing so well in this circuit so it was promising last weekend and they showed that they can play and win some of the legs.”
The Ngong Road-based side has been in scintillating form in the National Sevens Circuit so far. Murunga attributes this success to a proper pre-season and the presence of game-changing players such as Amon Wamalwa and Lucky Dewald.
“They have done a proper pre-season and they’re fit enough to play any other team on match day two in terms of knockout,” Murunga explained. “Then we have two brilliant game planners and match-makers in the form of Amon Wamalwa at fly-half and Lucky Dewald at scrum-half. If they execute our plan, which they have done so far, then the rest of the team will follow up and we will easily win games.”
Murunga, the former Shujaa head coach, emphasized that their aim is to maintain a consistent performance and make it to the main cup quarter-finals throughout the season. Their ultimate goal is to battle Kabras Sugar and KCB for the overall title.
“Sevens at some point is a bit tricky because any mistake will see you relegated to the Challenger Cup,” Murunga noted. “Our aim is not only to win the circuit but win all our games and get into the quarter-finals. Then from there, day two is a knockout stage, and if we don’t have any injuries, I believe my boys are good to fight against anyone.”
The Quins’ victory in the Ingo 7s is a testament to their resilience and determination. After the disappointment of the Christie 7s, they regrouped and showcased their potential, proving that they are serious contenders in the National Sevens Circuit.
As the circuit takes a one-weekend break, teams will prepare for the next leg, the Dala 7s, scheduled for the weekend of August 17-18, 2024, in Kisumu. This break will provide the Quins with an opportunity to regroup, assess their performance, and strategize for the upcoming challenges.
Murunga’s confidence in his team’s abilities and their current form suggests that the Quins are poised for a successful run in the remaining legs of the circuit. The combination of rigorous pre-season training, strategic gameplay, and the leadership of key players like Wamalwa and Dewald has set the stage for an exciting and competitive season.
In conclusion, the Kenya Harlequins’ journey in the National Sevens Circuit so far has been marked by determination and strategic prowess. Their victory at the Ingo 7s, following a narrow miss at the Christie 7s, is a clear indication of their potential and readiness to challenge for the overall title. As the circuit progresses, fans and supporters can look forward to more thrilling performances from the Quins as they continue their quest for glory.
