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Kenya Harlequin coach Paul Murunga has explained how they will get even with Nondies this weekend to make the Kenya Cup semis.
Kenya Harlequin head coach Paul ‘Pau’ Murunga has revealed what his charges will have to do to beat Nondies when they face each other this weekend with a place in the semi-finals of the Kenya Cup at stake.
Nondies beat Quins 25-13 in their last match of the regular season in what was a dead rubber game, which left them finishing fourth, while their Ngong Road rivals finished fifth to set up a fourth vs fifth place playoff finish.
Murunga emphasized the importance of securing set pieces and adopting an aggressive approach to secure a win in the knockout game. He highlighted the need for precision in taking chances and converting them efficiently.
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“Just securing our setpieces and since it is a knock out, we have to go for the win,” Murunga said.
“We cannot assume and just scratch the ball and pass. We must utilise our chances and ensure that we are able to convert them.
“We have to be clinical whereby we have to secure our racks and play ball in hand. We must correct our mistakes to make sure we are in a good position to get the result we want this weekend. They have the upper hand next weekend after beating us.
“It is a repeat of last season where both teams are facing each other. Even in the ESS(Erick Shirley Shield Cup), we are playing Nondies.”
Should Quins beat Nondies, they will face Kabras for the second season in a row.
Drawing parallels with the previous season, where they reached the semi-finals but fell short, Murunga emphasized the players' need for positive mental strength.
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“Last season we played semi-finals away in Kabras so definitely, if we beat Nondies, we play Kabras. The players’ mental strength should be very positive.
“When we played Kabras at home, we led them in the first half but could not hang on in the second half and they beat us.
“It is a knockout so we have to go to Kakamega and play well and win, because that is the next step we need to ensure we make.
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“Last season, we reached the semis, and we have to get to that next level.”
Meanwhile, Blak Blad’s midweek match against Kisumu will not go on as planned. Menengai Oilers settled for third place after winning nine out of their 11 matches this season, accumulating 42 points.
Kenyatta University Blak Blad, holding a game in hand, finished sixth with 24 points. The showdown between Oilers and Blad will take place in Nakuru as they vie to face KCB.
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10:04 - 10.03.2024
RUGBY Kenya Harlequin boss Paul Murunga slams charges after Ngong Road derby loss to Nondies
Quins lost 25-13 to Nondies, setting up a heated semi-final playoff replay between both sides next weekend.
Nondies have shown impressive form, winning their last four matches of the season. The Rangers collected 31 points and secured a spot in the playoffs after returning to the top tier at the beginning of the season.
Kisumu RFC avoided relegation after securing a crucial victory in their match against the Leos on match day 11, accumulating a total of 12 points.
On the other hand, Catholic Monks joined Homeboyz Rugby in dropping to the KRU Championship league, having garnered 7 and -2 points respectively.
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