Kenya Harlequin FC hosted a spectacular Dinner and Awards Night on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Novotel Nairobi Westlands, marking the perfect end to an epic season.
The black-tie event, themed “The Victory Side,” brought together players, coaches, legends, and supporters to celebrate a year filled with challenges, victories, and camaraderie.
Kenya Harlequin recognition
The evening’s highlight was the recognition of the club’s standout performers. Sheldon Kahi, captain of the Men’s XVs team, shone brightly as he received the Most Valuable Player 15s award and a Captain’s Badge.
Amon Wamalwa mirrored his achievements, claiming the Most Valuable Player 7s title and a Captain’s Badge.
Rising talents Leonard Fogang and Albert Alela were celebrated as the Most Promising Players in the 7s and 15s categories, respectively.
Club captain Herman Humwa received the prestigious Captain’s Shield and conferred Captain’s Badges on Sheldon Kahi, Amon Wamalwa, Charles Kinyanjui, Khaider Mohamed, and Paul Mutsami.
National representation was also a source of pride, with Richel Wangila and Paul Mutsami honored for joining the Kenya XVs Simba team.
Leonard Fogang, Amon Wamalwa, and David Williams were recognized for making it to the Kenya 7s Shujaa training squad.
Iddo Kuta, Patrick Wainaina, and Faran Juma were also applauded for their instrumental role in helping the Kenya Under 20 Chipu team clinch the U20 Barthés Trophy.
The night was historic for the Kenya Harlequin FC Queens, who held their first-ever awards ceremony since the team’s revival.
Sandra Oduor, the Queens’ captain, received the Captain’s Shield, while Maxine Abuga, Sheryl Owaga, Milkah Chitechi, Lovinah Mijere, and Dorris Kimani were celebrated for their selection to the Kenya XVs Lionesses team.
Catherine Elizabeth was also recognized for her achievement in earning a spot on the national U18 squad.
Acknowledging contributions behind the scenes, Coach Simon Odongo was awarded the Spirit of Rugby Shield for his dedication across all teams.
Chairman Victor Sudi presented the Chairman’s Award to Strength and Conditioning Coach Edward Shitanda, Physiotherapist Kate Muisyo, and John Paul Ombok, appreciating their significant roles in the club’s success.
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The event reached its peak with Jimmy Mnene and Chris Oduor’s induction into the Kenya Harlequin FC Distinguished Roll of Honour.
Both received the prestigious 2024 Honours Caps in recognition of their enduring legacy and commitment to the club.
Chairman Victor Sudi used the occasion to set the vision for the club’s future. He emphasized that the club’s primary goal for 2025 is to secure the Kenya Cup.
He outlined plans to enhance player welfare, expand member and community engagement, foster inclusive governance, and explore diverse funding streams. He called on all members to unite and support this ambitious strategy as the club strives for excellence on and off the field.
“In 2025, our sights are set firmly on the Kenya Cup, and the Executive Committee is dedicated to creating an environment that maximizes our chances of success. We are
enhancing player welfare initiatives, expanding member and community engagement, fostering inclusive club governance, and exploring diverse funding and revenue streams. We
call on all members to unite and rally behind this ambitious strategy as we strive for excellence together.” he stated.
The event also featured a stirring speech by long-standing club member Shelly Arensen, who shared lessons of perseverance and discipline from the club’s storied history. Quoting Galatians 6:9, he reminded attendees of the importance of resilience: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not give up.”
The Dinner and Awards Night celebrated the club’s achievements, from heartfelt speeches to a sumptuous four-course meal, photo exhibitions, and an after-party.
Individual Awards
1. Most Valuable Player 15s: Sheldon Kahi
– Also received a Captain’s Badge.
2. Most Valuable Player 7s: Amon Wamalwa
– Also received a Captain’s Badge.
3. Most Promising Player 15s: Albert Alela
4. Most Promising Player 7s Leonard Fogang
Captains and Leadership
1. Captain’s Shield: Herman Humwa
2. Captain’s Badges:
– Sheldon Kahi
– Amon Wamalwa
– Charles Kinyanjui
– Khaider Mohamed
– Paul Mutsami
National Representation Recognitions
1. Kenya XVs Simba Team:
– Richel Wangila
– Paul Mutsami
2. Kenya 7s Shujaa Training Squad:
– Leonard Fogang
– Amon Wamalwa
– David Williams
3. Kenya Under 20 Chipu Team (Barthés Trophy Winners):
– Iddo Kuta
– Patrick Wainaina
– Faran Juma
Queens Team Awards
1. Captain’s Shield:Sandra Oduor
2. Kenya XVs Lionesses Team Selections:
– Maxine Abuga
– Sheryl Owaga
– Milkah Chitechi
– Lovinah Mijere
– Dorris Kimani
3. Kenya U18 Squad Selection: Catherine Elizabeth
Special Contributions
1. Spirit of Rugby Shield: Coach Simon Odongo
2. Chairman’s Award:
– Strength Coach Edward Shitanda
– Physiotherapist Kate Muisyo
– John Paul Ombok
Roll of Honour Induction
1. Distinguished Roll of Honour:
– Jimmy Mnene
– Chris Oduor
– Both received the 2024 Honours Caps.
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