T. NashipaeQuins' 2023 national 7s circuit through coach Paul Murunga's eyes
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 13.09.23. | 20:30
Kenya Harlequins managed five quarterfinals, two semifinals, and a final appearance in the circuit.
Kenya Harlequins fans will have former Kenya 7s tactician Paul Murunga to thank after the side registered an impressive performance in the recently concluded 2023 National 7s circuit.
Quins finished the circuit at position six with 76 points, an improvement from last season’s performance where they were off to a poor seventh position with 68 points. This season, they also managed five quarterfinals, two semifinals, and a final appearance.
Pau’s charges kicked off their National 7s Circuit campaign with a fourth place finish in Dala 7s. They were narrowly knocked out of title contention by Kabras RFC 15-14 in the semifinals. They then lost 24-19 to Strathmore in the third place playoff to claim position four.
Their performance then dropped during Driftwood 7s where they finished at position six. The Quins then bounced back with a position two finish at Prinsloo 7s where they narrowly lost 10-5 to Kabras RFC in the brutally physical final affair.
During their home tournament; Christie 7s, Quins lost to their rivals Kabras RFC at the quarterfinal stage. They would settle for sixth place after going down 14-7 to Mwamba RFC in the fifth-place playoff.
Their lowest performance came during the Tisap 7s where they failed to qualify for the quarterfinals to settle for a disappointing seventh place.
The gutsy Quins were determined to end their season on a high during Kabeberi 7s. They however lost to Nakuru RFC during the sudden death of the last quarterfinal match 17-12. They were looking to win against long-time foes Kabras RFC, but went down 12-5 at sudden death to finish seventh.
According to the gaffer, despite being inconsistent, his charges ticked most of their boxes this season. Murunga’s squad this season has proved that age is just a number.
The tactician enjoyed the services of 20-year-old Cornelius Mokoro, youngster Amon Wamalwa, Richel Wangila, and Lucky Dewald among others. He further introduced vintage players like Tony Khadambi and Leeon Nyang who all greatly boosted the squad. For Pau, Kenya Harlequins can only get better.
“It was a good run considering the first season we only managed to get to two quarterfinals. With the young team that we have, it shows a very brilliant future for Kenya Harlequins players and the clubs. So, it can only get better if we train the players we have, next season now we will be chasing several titles,” he assured.
With the circuit now behind them, the Quins have shifted focus to a healthy preseason as they await the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season.
Pau pointed out that their hurried pre-season training for the 2022/23 Kenya Cup season resulted in their not-so-good finish. The Quins lost all their three opening matches of the 15s season before bouncing back to win all the remaining eight matches to qualify for the semi-final stage. They would however lose 22-8 to Kabras RFC after a spirited performance at the semifinal.
“We are looking at getting more conditioning. We were well last season, but we did not condition well during the preseason, so by the time we were getting to semifinals of the Kenya Cup and ESS, most of the players were already tired. If we get our conditioning phase well during this preseason, and a better diet, then we will be good and play better this season,” the tactician concluded.
At the national level, Pau led Kenya U20 7s and 15s, served as a Kenya 7s assistant coach as the side went on to win Singapore 7s in 2016. He was then handed the Kenya 7s Head Coach role in 2018. He is currently the Kenya Lionesses conditioning coach.
