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Kenya Harlequin boss Paul Murunga has rallied the new players in his squad to seize their chances in order to help strengthen the team if they are to close the gap on Kabras Sugar this season.
Kenya Harlequin head coach Paul Murunga has issued a rallying call to his fringe players, challenging them to step up and make their mark as the team eyes a strong campaign in the 2024/2025 Kenya Cup season.
This comes after Quins secured an emphatic 55-22 victory over Mwamba in their season opener.
Kenya Harlequins began their 2024/2025 Kenya Cup campaign with a commanding 55-22 victory over Mwamba at RFUEA Grounds.
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18:30 - 23.11.2024
Kenya Cup: Kenya Harlequin nonchalantly dispatch Mwamba as KCB, Oilers also dominate
Kenya Harlequin toss aside Mwamba to kickstart their 2024/2025 Kenya Cup campaign on a high.
The match started with Mwamba taking an early 7-0 lead, but Harlequins equalized through captain Sheldon Kahi’s try, converted by Allan Odiyo. Mwamba briefly regained the advantage with a try from Ishmael Mokaya and Dennis Ndayala’s conversion, but Quins quickly turned the tide.
Paul Matani and Charles Kinyanjui scored late in the first half, giving Harlequins a narrow 17-14 lead at the break.
The second half was all Quins, as prop Mike Mugo scored in the opening minute to extend the lead. Charlton Mokua added a try, converted by Evin Asena, before lock Ben Onyango joined the scoring spree.
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Mwamba’s yellow card further shifted momentum, allowing Leonard Fogang to score a converted try. Despite a late Mwamba effort, Mokua secured his second try, and Leon Nyang delivered the final blow at the death, sealing an emphatic win for Harlequins as they set a strong tone for the season.
Speaking to Pulse Sports after the match, Murunga, who rested several key players including Paul Mutsami and Lucky Dewald, praised the impact of the newcomers. He also emphasized the importance of squad rotation and assessing depth as the season progresses.
“We started low. Maybe we can look at our warm-up schedule, or maybe we underrated them in the first half. But in the second half, after giving them instructions on how to play, they came out and did so well,” Murunga said.
He credited substitutes like Lucky Dewald and Evin Asena for upping the tempo and highlighted the importance of balancing fatigue while providing opportunities for emerging players.
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09:00 - 24.11.2024
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“We have new players like Paul Matani, Bill Abuom, and more, who have played today, and we wanted to see how they would fit into the team,” Murunga explained. “If we balance well and ensure we have enough depth in terms of players who can play at that level, it will be good for us.”
Murunga acknowledged the need for continued evaluation of his squad, particularly as the season presents tougher tests. “This one was not a bigger game like the ones we anticipate later in the season. As the season progresses, we need to evaluate between training and what they have already gained in the game,” he added.
Despite the convincing win, Harlequins are already setting their sights on their next fixture against Nakuru, with Murunga stressing the importance of maintaining momentum and refining their approach.
As Quins aim to reclaim Kenya Cup glory, their blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents will be crucial in navigating the challenges of a long and demanding season.
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