Paul Murunga's detailed playoff plan to land Quins first Kenya Cup in 13 years

2024 National 7s circuit champions Kenya Harlequin are not doubting their abilities ahead of the Kenya Cup kickoff. The side has had a glamorous year so far and they are determined to end it in style.

They will play three Kenya Cup matches against Mwamba, Nakuru, and Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad before ending the year with an Enterprise Cup match.

In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, the team’s head coach Paul Murunga was pleased with the steps made so far, noting that they were dreaming big this season. And part of their plan is to win the Kenya Cup title.

While it may seem like a far-fetched dream, Quins have achieved this feat before. Not once, not twice, but in eight different years (1995, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012).

They will be keen to register a ninth victory this season.

“We are ready for the season. The 7s guys had a good season and they also competed in the Kitaka 7s in Uganda where they finished second. The 15s team has been in preseason training for eight weeks,” Pau started.

The side has been training together and gelled to form a solid 15s team.

The squad has also been strengthened with key signings, particularly in the forwards department.

Among the signings is two-time fittest man Emmanuel Mavala who is making a comeback to rugby after a three-year break.

During his time away, Mavala focused on personal development and CrossFit, earning the title of fittest man for two consecutive years. He also pursued the goal of becoming the fittest man in Africa.

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Joining him is fan favorite Joshua Chisanga. The former Newcastle Falcons player is set to make his rugby comeback after being out of action since the 2021 Kenya Cup season.

“We have also beefed up our squad. With these new players, we should form a formidable side. Our immediate goal is to win all our matches until December. Unlike last year, this time conditioning started earlier for the 15s team. They are better than last season,” Pau asserted.

During the 2022/23 season, the Quins reached the semifinal stage but lost 22-8 to Kabras RFC after a spirited performance. They would then reach the quarterfinal of the 2023/24 season but were eliminated by Nondies RFC. This time round, they will be looking to break the jinx and reach the final.

“Our overall aim this season is to finish first or second. We aim at having a home semifinal or final. We realized that when we play the semis or finals away, it is always not easy because players are usually fatigued from the traveling. We want to go beyond last season’s performance. If we reach the semis, we will have achieved at least one target,” Pau revealed.

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The former Kenya 7s tactician went on to acknowledge the stiff competition posed by Kenya Cup powerhouses. Despite that, he remained optimistic that Quins’ preparation and squad depth will give them an edge.

“The opponents remain the same. Teams like KCB, Kabras, Oilers, KU Blak Blad, and Nondies will pose a challenge. It is up to us to fix our structures to perform beyond last year,” he averred.

Murunga also had a message for the team’s relentless fans.

“You have been with us throughout the 7s season and we did not disappoint you. We promise good results this season. Turn up for our matches and support the boys,” he concluded.

The Quins will host Mwamba RFC in their first match slated for Saturday 23 November at the RFUEA Grounds. The match will kickoff at 3 pm.