Kenya Harlequin FC celebrated the end of the 2024/25 season in grand fashion with a glittering awards dinner on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
The black-tie gala, themed “The Spirit of Quins,” brought together players, legends, partners, officials, and supporters for a night dedicated to honouring excellence, unity, and the club’s enduring legacy. The evening was steered by club legend Felix Ochieng, who served as the night’s master of ceremonies.
Kenya Harlequin award winners
Awards took centre stage early in the programme, with the club recognizing the standout performers who defined the season. John Matthew Ouma was crowned Most Valuable Player 15s, while Patrick Wainaina claimed the Most Valuable Player 7s award.
Rising star Jaika Adams enjoyed a memorable night, winning both Most Promising Player 15s and the prestigious Spirit of Rugby award.
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Michael Ochieng Otieno earned Most Promising Player 7s. Team captains were also honored, with Jeffrey Kiragu and Lovinah Mijere receiving their Captain’s Shields for leading the men’s and women’s sides respectively.
National team call-ups were celebrated too, as six players, Dorris Kimani, Maxine Abuga, Moreen Muritu, Sheila Chajira, Refa Ochando, and Angel Salamba, were recognized for joining the Kenya Lionesses, while Dennis Nyongesa was acknowledged for his place in the Kenya 7s Shujaa training squad.
The Chairman’s Award went to Maria Goretti Gacheru, Willy Ambaka, Aggrey Khasakhala, Oliver Wafula, and Daudi Were in recognition of their exceptional service behind the scenes.
A historic moment unfolded when the club inducted Gerald Omondi and Geoffrey Amuhaya into the Kenya Harlequin FC Distinguished Roll of Honour.
The club also broke new ground by officially establishing a women’s Roll of Honour, with Nekesa Were and Sheila Chajira becoming the first-ever inductees, an important milestone in recognizing the legacy and impact of women within the club.
Chairman Victor Sudi delivered a compelling State of the Club address, highlighting progress made for 2026. He emphasized that “The Spirit of Quins captures our pride, unity, and belief. The best of Quins is still ahead of us. We have rebuilt and reignited the spark—now we chase greatness again.”
Kenya Harlequin key figures
The gala attracted leading figures from Kenya’s rugby and business communities, including Ambassador Dennis Awori, former chairmen Paul Nyamodi and Michael Wanjala, and longstanding club stalwarts such as James Mwenda Luyingwa, John Kagagi, and Gordon Anampiu. The full technical bench led by Head Coach Patrice Agunda, along with both the men’s and women’s squads, were present in full force.
Guest speaker John “Moore” Ohaga, SC, a devoted club member since 1987 and chairman of the national Taskforce on Sports Policy Review, spoke passionately about the transformative power of sports. He underscored the value of strong governance, commercial growth, and creating a matchday environment that can attract families and broaden rugby’s appeal in Kenya.
In his closing remarks, Director of Rugby Joel Ng’ang’a reaffirmed the club’s commitment to its identity and values, noting that “These moments reflect our long-standing ethos—rugby first, commitment to the jersey, and excellence on and off the pitch. Quins moves forward with those who choose to uphold our values.”
