Kenya Harlequins head into the 2026 Impala Floodlit final, determined to end a 12-year wait for the title when they take on familiar rivals KCB Rugby on Saturday, 31 October.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsQuins last featured in the Floodies final in 2014, when they suffered a heavy 30-3 defeat to KCB. Twelve years later, the two sides will renew their rivalry in the tournament’s showpiece match, with Patrice Agunda’s men hoping to turn their return to the final into a memorable triumph.##NAJAVA_MECA_10066843##The occasion carries added significance for Agunda, who featured as a player when Quins lost to KCB in the 2014 final. Now at the helm as head coach, he has an opportunity to guide the side to the trophy they have pursued for more than a decade.Quins secured their place in the 2026 final after edging Nondescripts 28-24 in a thrilling semi-final encounter.Agunda believes the team’s unity has been central to its progress, with the players learning to support one another through both difficult and successful moments.“For us, the biggest turning point has been learning to play for each other and stand by one another through the good and bad moments. Once we bought into that mentality, we started playing with greater belief in ourselves and in each other. That unity has been instrumental in getting us to the final,” Agunda said.Former Simbas lock identifies key areas Kenya must address to improve in 15sThe coach described the return to the final as a reflection of the collective effort invested in rebuilding the team, acknowledging the contributions of the club’s members, executive committee, technical bench and players.“It means a great deal to us to be back in the final after 12 years. It is a testament to the work that has gone into building this team, with contributions from every stakeholder at the club, from the members and executive committee to the technical bench and the players,” he added.With the same opponents standing between them and the trophy, Agunda is keen to keep his players focused on their preparations rather than become distracted by the occasion or the prospect of ending their long wait.##NAJAVA_MECA_10077570##The coach insists that remaining faithful to their style of play and improving as a collective will be crucial against a KCB side that denied them the title in 2014.“For us, the priority is to play our game and remain true to ourselves as we prepare for the final. We see this as part of a journey, and we want to keep trusting the process that has brought us this far,” he said.Agunda also highlighted communication, discipline, and decision-making under pressure as key factors that could determine Saturday’s contest.He explained that Quins have been working to identify areas where they can put KCB under pressure while ensuring players receive clear instructions to help them manage different situations during the match.Former Simbas captain outlines four-point plan for Kenya’s Rugby World Cup dreamHe added that the team must remain composed, support one another, and make sound decisions when the stakes are highest.“If we remain disciplined and stick to our game plan, we will give ourselves the best opportunity to execute our rugby and compete effectively,” he said.Kenya Harlequins have a proud history in the Impala Floodlit tournament, having lifted the trophy three times.Their first title came in 1990, when they defeated Mwamba 12-10 before adding a second crown in 1997 with a 37-25 victory over Quins II.##NAJAVA_MECA_70247##They secured their third title in 1998 after producing an emphatic 41-6 win over KCB.Quins have also reached the final in 2002, 2008, and 2014 but have been unable to add to their title tally since their 1998 triumph.The 2026 final therefore presents an opportunity to end a 28-year wait for another Floodies crown and avenge their 2014 defeat to the bankers.Paul Murunga identifies three key fixes for Mwamba ahead of Kenya Cup returnHowever, Agunda views the competition as more than an opportunity to win silverware, emphasizing the importance of using challenging matches to strengthen the team’s character and long-term ambitions.“I do not view Floodies purely in terms of winning a trophy. I see it as part of a bigger journey in which we must learn to embrace tough games, build courage, and develop the qualities we need to succeed,” he said.Beyond Saturday’s final, Agunda wants to establish a culture that encourages continuous improvement and excellence both on and off the pitch.“The biggest lesson has been seeing how the squad has bought into our plan and embraced the desire to play the best rugby possible. The players understand the importance of playing and working for one another in every aspect of the game.They are receptive to feedback, eager to improve, and willing to ask the right questions. They keep learning and getting better, and I honestly could not ask for a better group of players. As long as we continue to uphold those values, I believe we have a strong foundation heading into the final,” Agunda said.
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