Kenya Harlequin are seeking redemption at Kabeberi Sevens

Harlequins Brian Obwaya and Kabras Sugar player during a past Enterprise Cup match at RFUEA. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

After a disastrous outing at the opening leg of the National Sevens Circuit in Kakamega last weekend, Kenya Harlequin are keen on making amends as they grace the Kabeberi Sevens at Kinoru Stadium, Meru, today.

The Ngong Road-based club, who won the National Sevens Circuit in 2005, 2006 and 2012, failed to register a win in Kakamega. They consequently picked a single point after finishing last and head coach Charles Cardovillis has promised an improved performance in Meru.

Stage fright

“We were undone by inexperience and the boys didn’t show up at all. They were unable to recover after falling behind but we can’t have excuses for such a performance,” Cardovillis said in reference to their dismal showing at the Kakamega Sevens.

“There was a bit of stage fright and we intend to do away with that. I believe the team will get better and you’ll see an improved team at the Kabeberi Sevens,” Cardovillis said.

Cardovillis, who guided Kabras Sugar to their maiden National Sevens Circuit title in 2017, further hinted at recalling Kenya Sevens forward Herman Humwa and Eric Shikuku to the team that exhibited naivety last weekend.

“I don’t intend to make a lot of changes but I will continue adhering to our rotation policy by bringing in one or two players in order to inject the much-needed experience,” he said.

At the Kabeberi tournament which is hosted by Mwamba RFC, Cardovillis’ men are drawn in a somewhat tough Pool C which is headlined by the hosts Mwamba. Nondescripts, who finished fifth in Kakamega, are also in the pool that is completed by varsity side Egerton Wasps.

“I want to play tough teams which will give us a real test because we need to learn quickly. Egerton beat us last weekend, Mwamba and Nondies finished in the top five and that makes it a difficult pool,” added Cardovillis.

Financial constraints

Quins start their hunt for a Main Cup quarter-final slot against the hosts before they face the Willis Ojal-coached Nondies and Egerton.

Kakamega Sevens winners KCB head to the tournament as top seeds and they headline a Pool A which has Menengai Oilers, Impala Saracens and local outfit Meru RFC.

Homeboyz, silver medalists in Kakamega, are in Pool B alongside MMUST and Mean Machine. Kabras Sugar have opted out of the event, citing financial constraints.