
Kenya Harlequins players celebrate at a past tournament
National Sevens Series champions Quins have signed 19 players as they prepare to defend their Sevens crown and run deep into the Kenya Cup title hunt.
They have signed Felix Ochieng from neighbours Impala, Emman Okwako and George Ouma from Nakuru RFC, Kelvin Moturi and Frank Owuor from Mwamba, and Owen Otieno from Strathmore Leos.
From the Championship and Nationwide leagues, Quins have landed Kenya under-20 international Wily Tino from JKUAT Cougars and Mount Kenya University Titans' Rogers Odundo, Derrick Shimenga and Simon Ochieng'. Alex Omondi and Dexter Injera join from Northern Suburbs, while Deodrre Wawire and John Okwatch join the nine-time champions from Shamberere Vikings alongside Joseph Odong from the Catholic Monks and Kisumu's James Mwambawa.
Patrice Agunda's charges warmed up for the start of the Seven Series by finishing third in the Ruff and Tuff sevens tournament held at the Racecourse grounds at Jamhuri Park on July 12.
They beat hosts Nondies 24-10 in the playoff. In the pool stages, they edged Blak Blad 19-7, settled for a 12-12 draw with Nakuru RFC and edged Strathmore 17-7.
Agunda said there were positives to take from the pre-season tournament. "We gave a chance to all our players; it was encouraging. We now know what to fix ahead of the season-opener in Mombasa,” said Agunda.
Meanwhile, Quins have also beefed up the women's team by bringing in Kenya Lionesses' skipper Sheila Chajira from neighbours Impala.
The move aims at ensuring they are contenders for the Women's Kenya Cup next season after falling 20-8 to Impala in last season's semifinals. Others are Impala's Shirley Atieno, Brenda Ogembo, formerly of Mwamba, Naomi Muhanji from Shamberere and Joy Makena from Meru Ladies RFC. Chajira believes the changes will help them battle for the title once the season kicks off in November.
“We are up against champions Mwamba and Impala, but I am confident that with the signings we have done, we can improve and be competitive and push them hard next season,” said Chajira.