Kenya Harlequin 7s skipper Dominic Osino says that while the team did not fulfil some of its objectives during the 2022 National Sevens Circuit campaign, they are pleased to have tested a number of young players who will be used in the future.
The Ngong Road-based side finished seventh on the circuit overall standings with 53 points, a fifth-place finish at the Driftwoods 7s being their best performance in the circuit, having lost two other fifth-place finals at their home tournament Christie’s 7s and Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru.
Kenya Harlequin main goal
Osino who skippered the side in the tournament said although they did not meet their laid-out objectives, a lot of lessons were picked from their performance.
“That was our main goal as a team, to build a team that will carry us for many seasons. That’s why if you could take close look at our 7s team, they were young players. Yes, we did not achieve our target of winning the tournament but everyone was happy with the performance. We did not have a good preseason with the whole team and that’s what cut us short of our target,” he said.
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The Circuit was head coach Paul Murunga’s first assignment at Quin’s, having taken over reigns from Senegalese Amady Diallo who parted ways with the side after a poor Kenya Cup season, that saw the club escape relegation narrowly by finishing 10th on the log.
The tactician who is a National Circuit winner with Homeboyz in 2016 and 2018 resorted to a youthful team throughout the 7s campaign, a decision Osino said worked perfectly towards the club’s new season preparation under the new management.
Kenya Harlequin Dominic Osino in action against Impala. Photo Courtesy/Denis Acre-half.
Pau’s liked
“The coach believes in building and he is ready to set up his squad from scratch. This is a plus for the team going into the 15 seasons. He is a coach that believes in someone and gives everyone an opportunity. Every player that played the 7s campaign liked him and his ideas. He is also a team player-coach that also teaches you life after rugby and how to carry on in your daily routines,” he said.
“Next season we still got the bunch of young players which will push the club more seasons to come and I know there is a good bond and more growth now, compared to last season thanks to the new coach. Everyone in the team is committed for this coming season and we hope for a good run,” he said.
