Oilers charged as they prepare to face fierce Kabras in Kenya cup finals match

After years of building and refining their squad, Menengai Oilers are set to feature in their second-ever Kenya Cup final on April 12 against defending champions Kabras Sugar.

The Nakuru-based team, founded in 2016, has steadily climbed the ranks of Kenyan rugby, and this season, they are making history by competing in three major finals: the Kenya Cup final, the Enterprise Cup final (April 20, also against Kabras), and the Eric Shirley Shield (ESS) final against KCB on April 5.

Head coach Gibson Weru, fondly known as Gibu, expressed his excitement at the team’s milestone, emphasizing their hunger for success.

“I am very excited that we get to play in a final. But not just to play. We want to compete and win. Most people say that the journey started this season, but it has been a journey of a thousand steps,” Weru says.

Menengai Oilers played their first Kenya Cup match in 2018. Weru says the club’s vision has always been clear; to dominate Kenyan rugby and lift the Kenya Cup trophy.

Despite encountering numerous hurdles, including player departures to rival clubs like KCB, Oilers have continued to grow, refining their squad and tactics.

“This year has been astounding for us. We are in every final of every competition we enter. We started by winning the Floodlit Challenge for the first time, and now we are in three finals. But the reality is, no one remembers who came second. We want to put the icing on the cake by winning the Kenya Cup,” Weru emphasizes.

Menengai Oilers will face a formidable Kabras side that has not lost a rugby match in three years, claiming the Kenya cup title in three consecutive years since 2022.

Weru acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.

 “Kabras is a physical side; they thrive on their set-pieces and kicking game. For us to stand a chance, we need to match their physicality, execute our set-pieces effectively, and respond to their kicking game. We must also use our hunger and mental sharpness to our advantage,” he notes.

Leveraging their vantage points, Oilers will also count on their ability to adapt their style of play. Weru tells Mtaa Wangu that they can play an expansive game, move them around, and exploit spaces.

At the same time, he says they must kick well and put Kabras under pressure.

Reflecting on past encounters, Weru says he has lost to KCB in about four semi-finals, which hurt him a lot. However, he has capitalized on that disappointment to get better.

“I lost to KCB when it mattered the most. But I turned that pain into motivation. I analysed what went wrong and worked on improving our game. That’s what pushed us to get the result this time. Every time we play them now, we want to be the top dogs, not the underdogs.”

With their growing confidence, the focus now shifts to Kabras, their biggest obstacle to Kenya Cup glory.

Weru notes that winning the Kenya Cup would not only cement Oilers' place among the country’s top rugby clubs but also attract better players.

He also acknowledged the unwavering support from the club’s sponsor. “Our sponsor has stood by us through thick and thin. Bringing the cup home would be a great way to reward them for their support.”

With only days to go before the final, Oilers are working to fine-tune their mental and physical readiness.

The stage is set for a thrilling finale, and Oilers are ready to give their all in pursuit of their long-awaited glory.