T. NashipaeTony Khadambi sets bar higher after impressing in Christie 7s
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 15.08.23. | 14:38
The experienced player made his debut for Kenya Harlequins during Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru
It was not until Kenya Harlequins released their squad for Prinsloo 7s that former Impala RFC playmaker Tony Khadambi realised he had made another piece of history.
The forward / winger who had blazed a trail for Impala RFC for four seasons made his debut for Kenya Harlequins to propel them to the final stage where they lost 10-5 in Nakuru.
That was Quins’ best performance in the 2023 National 7s Circuit. Their hopes of making another consecutive final in Christie 7s were however cut short by Kabras RFC at the quarterfinal stage. They lost 21-14.
The Quins however kept their fine form going, winning over Menengai Oilers in the challenge trophy semis before settling for fifth position after a 14-7 loss to Mwamba RFC in the fifth-place final.
For Khadambi, popularly known as Polisi, the call-up gave him a perfect opportunity to play under the close watch of inexhaustible coach Paul Murunga who coached him during his heydays at Homeboyz RFC.
“The feeling is intense. I am happy and anxious at the same time. A little jitters. At some point I actually doubted if I would be able to make the team. It's been nice reuniting with my Old Coaches from Homeboyz. They always knew how to get the best out of me,” Polisi disclosed.
The former Homeboyz RFC player who also played for the national U20 team; Chipu in 2019 also revealed that the Quins were seeking consistency in the circuit.
Murunga’s charges kicked off their campaign with a fourth-place finish in Dala before falling to sixth-place in Driftwood. They finished second in Prinsloo 7s before a fifth-place position at their home tournament; Christie 7s.
“We want to make sure every time we have the ball we are a lethal threat and more times than not it will lead to a try. Consistency in our games will bring better results and we are confident we shall prove our mantle,” Polisi told Mozzart Sport.
According to Polisi, the remaining two legs will no longer be business as usual but business unusual for the Quins who are now fourth on the log with 58 points. The reliable forward will be looking to electrify the upcoming leg; Tisap 7s.
“Business as usual. Showing up strong and ready for the team. Providing the go-forward ball at all times for the team,” he revealed.
Kenya Harlequins head coach Paul Murunga noted that Polisi was a great boost to the squad, providing it with wealth of experience and sense of leadership. Other vintage players in the team include Cornelius Mokoro and Leeon Nyang.
“Tony has been there. He is not a young guy. He has been playing and it is a good platform for him to play. He has come straight to the starting line-up and he is playing very well. The team is still intact and playing well,” Pau told Mozzart Sport.
All eyes now shift to the fifth leg of the National 7s Circuit; inaugural Tisap 7s pencilled for the Eldoret Sports Club from September 2 and 3.
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