Oscar Ouma: The silver bullet that stopped Wanyore's losing streak

Nakuru RFC (Wanyore) finally broke their losing streak in the 2024/25 Kenya Cup season with a 32 -22 win over Kisumu RFC in their match week eight, held at the Nakuru Athletics club over the weekend.

Despite a commendable job by all players, the return of Oscar Ouma to the pitch this season did not go unnoticed.

The Kenya Sevens icon and Wanyore player supported his team to ensure they clinched their win against Dala.

Under Ouma’s co-captaincy, Nakuru RFC displayed a renewed sense of composure and tactical discipline on the field.

With him playing in the backline, Ouma faced immense pressure from Kisumu’s defence but skilfully created space for his teammates to capitalize on attacking opportunities, leading to a more structured and confident team performance.

In a phone call interview with Nakuru RFC technical bench Donald Aluoch, he says, having Ouma on the field was a plus for the tea .

According to Aluoch, Ouma not only provided stability but also contributed directly to the scoreboard, scoring a try and assisting in another.

“His game awareness and ability to read the match situation were instrumental in planning Nakuru’s attacking plays, ultimately sealing the much-awaited victory,” Aluoch remarks

Additionally, he emphasized on how, Ouma’s wealth of experience in the field, alongside veteran players Edwins Mokari alias Maduh (Captain during the match against Kisumu RFC) and Phillip Kwema changed tack for the team.

“We have been struggling because most of the players we have right now are very young. Some of them joined during the December transfer window and are only 18 or 19 years old. With Oscar in the picture, alongside Kwema and Maduh, there was a newfound sense of confidence in the squad," he says, putting emphasis on how the three seniors mentored the younger players and enhanced communication on the pitch.

The technical bench further highlighted Ouma’s leadership, especially in communicating effectively with match officials, noting that one of their biggest challenges has been relaying concerns to match officials.

“Younger players at times don’t have the experience or composure to manage those interactions. With Oscar as captain, he handled the referee with the necessary tact and ensured the game was managed properly,” Aluoch reveals.

Additionally, he notes that Ouma’s experience allowed for better coordination between the technical zone and the players, guiding them on execution and decision-making on the pitch.

Commenting on Ouma’s tough defence skills when the ball was not in their possession, Aluoch describes him as a big hitter, who put his best effort to ensure they were not attacked at the backline.

“Our backline wasn’t threatened for the better part of the game while he was on the pitch. However, after he came off, the opponents started shifting the attack towards our backline, and I think they scored one try on that side,” he says.

Asked on Ouma’s impact on the players on the field Auolch says, “It is a big plus when you play alongside him. It is usually a major morale booster, and you learn a lot from him. Sometimes he's harsh, but it's a way to teach the young ones.”

With this morale boosting victory, Nakuru RFC hope to turn their season around and build momentum for the remaining fixtures.

 Ouma’s return has not only reinforced the squad’s performance on the field but has also instilled a sense of belief among the players and fans alike.

As they prepare for their upcoming matches, the team will look to maintain the same level of intensity and discipline that led to their first win of the season.

Adding to the optimism, Aluoch notes that Ouma is expected to participate in the next three games, provided he remains healthy and available for selection. His presence could further enhance Nakuru RFC’s performance, potentially helping the team avoid relegation from the Kenya Cup.

Can Nakuru RFC capitalize on this momentum and climb up the Kenya Cup standings?

With a reinvigorated squad, they certainly have the potential to make a strong push in the remaining three matches and survive relegation.