‘For a minute, everything shattered’ – Kenya Harlequin back reflects on Nondies loss in NSC title run-up

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Kenya Harlequin halfback Leon Nyang has opened up about their narrow loss to Nondies, which almost derailed their title bid in the recently concluded National 7s Circuit. Harlequins entered the final tournament in pole position to win the circuit, but a 15-12 defeat to Nondies in the quarterfinals put their chances at risk.

Kenya Harlequin disappointing moment

A victory would have sealed the title for them, and after the final whistle, the players were visibly devastated. “For me, for a minute, everything shattered. We were in perfect shape to take both the Prinsloo 7s title and the overall circuit title,” Nyang said during a Scrummage Africa X space session. “The pressure was intense, even though we looked composed on the outside. The ‘what if’ questions plagued us, and mentally, we weren’t settled. We had the game in our hands in the last moments, but we lost it.” Despite the setback, Harlequins reclaimed the title after Kabras Sugar RFC lost their semifinal match to Nondies 15-5.

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Nyang admitted that the loss initially left him devastated but credited the technical bench for providing crucial support. “Respect to our technical bench; they are the best. They picked us up and asked us to stay strong. I remember Coach Paul Murunga telling us we needed those 13 points. Shout out to Coach Patrice Agunda as well. Their words were key in helping us stay focused. We’re grateful for the mental uplift they gave us,” Nyang added.

Kenya Harlequin leaders

He also praised senior players like Herman Humwa and co-captain Wiseman Aganya for rallying the team after the loss. “Wiseman was never shaken by the pressure or the loss. Humwa and the other senior guys kept pushing us, reminding us that we could only control the final two games. Those matches were tough, especially against Blak Blad, who can be a tricky opponent at times,” he added. Harlequins ultimately kept their composure, securing victory in their remaining matches to win the overall National 7s Circuit title.