Harlequins bolster squad by signing 19 players ahead of new season

In a bid to bolster squad ahead of the National Sevens Series and Kenya Cup next season, the National Sevens Series champions Kenya Harlequins have signed 19 new players.

The new faces includes Impala ace Felix Ochieng, Emman Okwako and George Ouma (Nakuru RFC), Kelvin Moturi and Frank Owuor (Mwamba RFC) and Owen Otieno (Strathmore Leos).

Others who were acquired from Championship and Nationwide leagues, includes Kenya under-20 international Wily Tino who was signed from JKUAT Cougars as well as Rogers Odundo who turned out for Mount Kenya University. Derrick Shimenga, Simon Ochieng, Alex Omondi and Dexter Injera (Northern Suburbs) as well as Shamberere Vikings  duo of  Deodrre Wawire and John Okwatch.

Also in the list is Joseph Odong from the Catholic Monks and Kisumu's James Mwambawa.

The team which is coached by Patrice Agunda intensified their preparations ahead of next season by taking part in Ruff and Tuff sevens tournament held at the Racecourse grounds at Jamhuri Park on July 12 where they finished in third position.

They beat hosts Nondies 24-10 in the playoff having edged Blak Blad 19-7 in pool stage before settling for a 12-12 draw with Nakuru RFC before seeing off Strathmore 17-7.

"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.