Oilers slowly making a mark in Kenya Cup

As the third round of Kenya Cup gets underway this weekend, Menengai Oilers are starting to show they have what it takes to make it to the play-offs.

The Nakuru-based side is keen to conquer top Kenyan rugby teams who have dominated the league championships.

Oilers’ seriousness in the pursuit for top honours was witnessed in the Impala Floodlit tournament where they reached the finals but lost to KCB Bank who are also the Kenya Cup champions.

The team further displayed a splendid performance at the kick-off of the 2019/2020 Kenya Cup action where they won the opening two matches with two bonus points in both matches.

In the first match, Oilers beat next door neighbours Nakuru RFC 31-5 in a local derby at ASK Nakuru Showground and thereafter dismissed Western Bulls 27-21 in their second match at Kakamega Showground.

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And as the team take on Homeboyz in their third match on Saturday at Jamhuri Showgrounds in Nairobi, head coach Gibson Weru has urged his charges not to underrate their opponents as they strive to play well and make the play-offs.

“Our ultimate goal is to win the league title in two years’ time and we are not relenting on this. Our current form is not a surprise to us as it is all from sheer hardwork and teamwork,” Weru said.

“We are not going to underrate any of our opponents in our future matches as we take each match at a time in the chase for top honours,” he added.

Formed three years ago, they first registered their participation in the Kenya Rugby Championships in 2016 and finished in mid table before finishing among the two top teams in their second attempt the following year and thereby gaining promotion to the top flight.

Boosted by an array of 60 young and talented players whose average age is 23, Weru said the playing unit is capable of winning the title in the 2020/2021 season, a position shared by their rivals including Nakuru RFC.

“In addition to our current form that has contributed to the positive performance, it has equally been boosted by our sponsors who are keen on the welfare of players,” said Weru, a former national team fly half.

In the next four years, the tactician’s aim is to equip different skills to the playing unit and develop them further.