Kenya Harlequin FC - Newsletter Oct 2022

Kenya Harlequin FC

Dear Members,

Chairman’s Note membership to support the new team as we begin our journey to turnaround our club fortunes.

This being the first newsletter under the new Executive Committee, I would like to thank the membership for granting our team the opportunity to serve our great club. We are indeed humbled and appreciate the amount of work that lies ahead of us. As earlier communicated, the new Executive Committee Members are as follows: Felix Ochieng (Vice Chairman), Rosemary Korir (Hon. Sectary), Onespoll Gachanja (Hon. Treasurer) and Dennis Begisen (Grounds Director).

To assist the ExCo in the task ahead, we have co opted Joel Ng’ang’a to head our rugby program as Director of Rugby and Nekesa Were to head Members Services and Player Welfare programs. We count on the

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely appreciate the out going ExCo Michael Wanjala and Stanley Omino for their dedication and commitment during their term. We appreciate all the work they did for the Club and we look forward as a team to continue raising the Quins bar higher.

Last season was very tough for us as Kenya Harlequin FC and the hard work to get back on top needs everyone to pull together. The Technical Team lead by Joel Ng’ang’a, our Head Coach, Paul Murunga and the Players are working tirelessly to reach the playoffs at the end of the upcoming season and have an opportunity to play for the Cup. I encourage all the members and the Quins fraternity to come out and support the team as we prepare for the new season. We are also reviewing our rugby structures and programs and I am happy to announce that we did restart our Quins Community Rugby Academy program on 24th September 2022. We have started small and will be looking to grow this to be the main talent pipeline for the Club, for both girls and boys. The inclusion of girls in the program will lead to the eventual re introduction of the Kenya Harlequin FC Ladies team in the near future.

I’m happy to announce that Dubai Rugby Exiles FC have donated rugby boots and trainers to support our Quins Community Rugby Academy program. The Quins family is very grateful for the kind gesture. The donation is a first step in a potential partnership. Our hope is that we will build a mutually beneficial partnership enriching to both clubs’ programs.

Over the years, our membership has remained a strong pillar that has helped our club stand the test of time since its start in 1953. As an Executive Committee we recognize the important role played by the membership and hence we have reviewed the membership categories to ensure increased member participation in our activities. I urge all the members to renew their membership under the new tiers and benefits and invite likeminded individuals to join our fraternity.

We remain optimistic that the upcoming season will be a successful one for Quins and as we wait for the league fixtures to be released, remain steadfast and look to be involved in one way or another in the upcoming club activities. Thank you all for the continued support and goodwill shown and we look forward to welcoming you all back to our grounds and clubhouse.

To be a Quin is a Way of Life! #SureStrongSuperior.

VICTOR SUDI Chairman

Club Membership

We recognize that our members are the backbone of Kenya Harlequin FC. From honour caps, legends, alumni, veterans, coaches, committee members, friends of the club, and players , it is everyone’s involvement and dedication that contributes to the success of Quins and the high regard that the Kenya rugby fraternity has for our club and brand.

Over the years, Quins’ members have laid out the importance of quality both off and on the pitch. You have engaged each other in thought provoking conversations and debates aimed at rebuilding our club to one we can all be proud of. A lot of these actions remain the responsibility of the executive committee, but we cannot do it without you. We need our members to advise us, connect us to opportunities, work with us to deliver quality and finally, we need our members to keep us honest in delivering as you have mandated us to do.

This year, we seek to grow the Quins community to cement an inclusive, successful and illustrious club built on a strong Quins culture. With your help, we want to make our club one that others buy into and want to be a part of, from players, to sponsors and the local community around our home on Ngong road. We therefore call on you to join the Quins membership under any of the tiers indicated, contribute to how we might continuously beef up these offers, and work with us for the transformation we all deserve.

Tiers & Benefits

Tiers & Benefits

Introducing…

Quins Youth Rugby Academy

SHOP NOW

In our ambition to give back to the Community around us and promote the game of rugby to achieve equality within the SDG thematics, we are excited to share with the members that we have launched a Kenya Harlequins Youth Rugby Academy program. This program aims to enable and develop rugby talent, life skills, interpersonal skills and sport opportunities to young boys and girls between the ages of 5 years and 19, mostly from disadvantages backgrounds around Kibera and Dagoretti areas and beyond.

We urge all members to join us to support this noble initiative. We will share more information soon with details on how you can participate in the program. Thank you in advance.

Dubai Exiles, Thank YOU!

Quins Youth Rugby Academy!

A Special thank you to David George Tidman (DirectorMini andYouthRugby,DubaiExilesRugby FootballClub,Dubai), John Paul Ochola Ombok and Nathan Odhiambo Ombok.

On behalf of the Quins Family, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Dubai Exiles Rugby Fraternity for the generous 158 pairs of rugby boots and rugby kit donation to our newly introduced Quins Youth Academy program. We are very humbled by this kind gesture that will help us provide the young and upcoming players with the necessary rugby equipment to further develop their talents.

One of our main challenges has been the inability to fully provide good quality rugby gear to the young community boys and girls who will walk through our gates to participate in the game of rugby. This donation no doubt will go a long way in helping us achieve this for the program.

We appreciate your kind gesture and support so far. We look forward to collaborate and explore in more opportunities in the near future.

We wish you success in the upcoming season!

Player Retirement

Edward Shitanda, R E T I R E S

Edward Shitanda, THANK YOU!

Shitanda Said: “As a rugby player, I have thought a lot about this day. It’s with a heavy but grateful heart that I announce my retirement from playing this beautiful sport. I will greatly miss it especially playing with my mates. I will miss winning games and putting on the number 7 Quins jersey. My next phase is in the Personal Trainer space as well as to mentor young players. I want to sincerely thank my Coach who made me who I am today, together with the Quins management, thank you! Once a Quin, Always a Quin!!”

The Club would like to thank you for your incredible contribution, loyalty and team spirit since the year 2015. We wish you all the very best in your next phase of life and a successfully career away from playing rugby!

Members, please let’s support his business as a Personal Trainer: Charges at only Kshs. 1,000 per session. Location is clients’ preferred. Trainers are Edward Shitanda & Bravin Mukoro. IG Page: @stacklessfitness Contact number 0725023276

Ambaka & Herman Humwaa Congratulations!

On your call up and participation in the Kenya National Rugby

team and the Rugby 7s World Cup 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa!

Melvin Thairu & Brian Waraba Congratulations!

On your call

and participation in the Kenya Simbas squad in preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup final qualification tournament set for Dubai from November

to

2022

Patrice Agunda, Congratulations!

Coaching Accreditation.

Pitch rehabilitation update:

There’s been ongoing watering of the pitch that began on 15th September and continues for another few weeks in readiness for the start of the season mid November. Great pitch improvement so far as you can see below. We would like to appreciate the great efforts by the Grounds team led by Dennis Begisen. Thank you Dennis, Asega and Dagi.

Pre-season Training HighlightsPre Season Highlights I

It’s been an intense, competitive and fun pre season time for our players. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday sees an average of upto 60 players punctually attending our training, gym, runs, zumba sessions and putting in the work! We would like to thank the Technical Management team for their hard work, consistency and commitment to ensure the players are ready to break a sweat and win in the upcoming season! Asante Pau, Patrice, Wayne, Maggie, Eden and Simon Adongo. We are here to support you!

We urge Members to come watch them train and show support on Tuesdays and Thursday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm; Saturdays from 8am to 11am at the Quins grounds. Karibuni!

Pre-season Training HighlightsPre Season Highlights II

40 Quins players have completed their World rugby Level One officiating physical Certificate course. 38 Quins players have received Level One Rugby Officiating Certification from World Rugby online courses. CONGRATULATIONS TEAM QUINS!

Our very own Dominic Osino who was the captain during 7s season and overall most valuable player being rewarded with new boots from our former Quins player Lewis Olaka. Thank you Olaka!

Meet your new ExCo

Victor Sudi Chairman

Felix Ochieng

Vice Chairman

Rosemary Korir Hon. Secretary

Dennis Begisen Grounds Director Onespoll Gachanja

Treasurer

Member Services & Player Welfare

Director of Rugby Nekesa Were

Joel Ng’ang’a

A Special THANK YOU to our Outgoing ExCo

Thank YOU

former Chairman

Michael Mbirira Wanjala

Thank YOU

former Hon. Secretary

Stanley Saburi Omino

During your tenure, you have been integral to the important milestones the Club has made. We are thankful for your behind-thescenes sacrifice, work, your time and resources. Thank you.

New Members Karibuni!

Mumbi Mwaura

Strong Member

James Kabiru Strong Member