Paul Murunga reveals Kenya Harlequin's target this season
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 26.11.24. | 16:08
Quins missed their target last season after falling to Nondies RFC at the quarterfinal stage but have set ambitious goals this campaign
Kenya Harlequin head coach Paul Murunga has outlined the team’s target in the 2024/25 Kenya Cup season.
The 2024 National Sevens Circuit champions kicked off their campaign in emphatic style, defeating Mwamba RFC 55-22 on Saturday 23 November at the RFUEA Grounds. The match showcased Quins’ resilience and left no doubt about their intentions this season.
Reflecting on the match, Murunga praised his team's performance especially in the second half, noting that it was an impressive way to start the season.
Quins missed their target last season after falling to Nondies RFC at the quarterfinal stage. This season, they have set ambitious goals. They will be looking to host the semifinal and qualify for the final.
“Last season, we slipped and allowed teams to beat us through our mistakes. This season, we’ll be very clinical to ensure we perform well, reduce errors, and top the pool for a home semifinal,” he told Ragahouse.
He went on to praise his charges for their zeal throughout the match, noting that it paid off.
“We played well, and I am happy with the boys. We started a bit low in the first half and didn’t register the results we wanted, but in the second half, experienced players like Lucky Dewald and Paul Mutsami changed the game, and we finished on a high,” Pau offered.
Murunga further highlighted the importance of a strong pre-season and noted areas for improvement.
“Some things didn’t click today (Saturday), but with time and more practice, we will polish them. As the season progresses, we’ll be a better side,” he observed.
Mwamba drew first blood early in the game with a converted try for a 7-0 lead.
Quins took 16 minutes to respond, as captain Sheldon Kahi powered over the try line, with Allan Odiyo converting to level the scores.
Mwamba then reclaimed the lead in the 26th minute through Ishmael Mokaya, with Dennis Ndayala converting to make it 14-7. However, Quins clawed back with tries from Paul Matani and Charles Kinyanjui, edging into a 17-14 halftime lead.
The second half saw Harlequin hit their stride, starting with a quick try from prop Mike Mugo in the opening minute. Charlton Mokua followed with another try, converted by Evin Asena, pushing the lead to 29-14.
Lock Ben Onyango joined the scoring spree, and Mwamba’s woes deepened when their scrum-half received a yellow card. Quins capitalized on the numerical advantage as Leonard Fogang crossed the try line, with Asena adding the extras to extend the lead to 41-14.
Mwamba managed to pull one back, but it was not enough to stall the Quins’ charge. Mokua scored again, and Leon Nyang’s late try sealed the deal at 55-22.
Up next for Quins will be an away match against Nakuru RFC on Saturday 30 November.
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