Menengai Oilers hopeful for better results in 2025 as rugby season kicks off this weekend
Alexander Gachiri from Mwamba RFC tackles Bildad Ogeta from Oilers during their Kenya Cup match day three against Mwamba RFC on December 7, 2024.
After a thrilling season last year, rugby fans will be treated to some action of their favourite sport in Nakuru on January 11 as the season kicks off with the Nakuru Derby.
The much-anticipated clash pits Menengai Oilers against arch-rivals Nakuru RFC (Wanyore) for the coveted home title.
Beyond the local bragging rights, all eyes will be on Oilers to see if they can maintain their unblemished record in the 2024/2025 Kenya Cup.
Ahead of the 8th derby, Oilers head coach Gibson Weru has expressed confidence that nothing less than victory will be enough in front of their home fans.
Head Coach Menengai Oilers Gibson Weru during an interview on their Kenya Cup match day three against Mwamba RFC at the Refinery Grounds at the Nakuru ASK showground on December 7, 2024.
Sharing his reflections on 2024 and his ambitions for 2025, Weru described 2024 as a year of mixed emotions for the team. While there were moments of brilliance, some results fell short of expectations.
One of the disappointments came during the 7s campaign where they failed to win any of the legs.
"In the Sevens circuit, the Oilers had a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Our target was to win at least three legs, but that was not possible. We reached two finals against Kabras in the Dala 7s, lost to KCB in the Kabeberi 7s and suffered a heavy defeat at home to Strathmore Leos in the semi-finals of the Prinsloo 7s," he says.
Menengai Oilers and Nakuru RFC players at the 7th Nakuru derby during Prinsloo 7s on September 15, 2024.
The Kenya Cup tournament also ended on a low note as the Oilers finished third after losing to KCB in the semi-finals for the fourth time.
Despite this, the team has grown significantly with several young players stepping up and performing admirably, a development that he believes will serve as a springboard for 2025.
"As a coach, the silver lining of last year was that our young players stepped up and are on their way to becoming superstars. We introduced new faces like Brian Achacha, Glacious Owino, Kelvin Chebet and Alvin Khavoli. In addition, our new signings such as Amos Obae, Samuel Ovwamu and Samuel Mwaura have been outstanding," he notes.
Menengai oilers and Nakuru RFC players at the 7th Nakuru derby during Prinsloo 7s on September 15, 2024.
Among the highlights of the year was the return of the Super Series, where the Menengai Oilers-led Cheetahs defeated the KCB Bank Lions 18-10, a moment that thrilled rugby players and fans alike in Nakuru.
The team also celebrated winning the inaugural Impala Floodlit title, their first major top-flight 15s tournament win in five years.
"Winning the Impala Floodlit title has given us a boost going into the 2024/2025 Kenya Cup season. We started that campaign strongly, scoring over 200 points in our first three matches," Weru says.
"For 2024, we had about 10 players called up to the national team including Denis Abukuse, John Okoth, Beldad Ogeta, Sam Onsuma, Ibrahim Ayoo, Elkeans Musonye, Amos Obae, Abutwalib Wesonga, Clinton Odhiambo and Timothy Omela," he says.
As the Nakuru derby approaches, fans are eager to see how Menengai Oilers will fare against Nakuru RFC in what promises to be a thrilling encounter to kick off the rugby calendar.
Hoping for a better performance as a club this season.