Wanyore, Oilers, gear up for fierce Kenya Cup matches, plan to avoid mistakes of the past
Menengai Oilers playing against Nakuru RFC during the Nakuru Derby.
The 2025/2026 Kenya Cup season kicks off on November 22, setting the stage for a fierce run-up to the December 6 holiday break, as teams push to collect early points before the competition resumes in 2026.
Nakuru RFC begin their campaign away in Nairobi, where they face Kenya Harlequins, while 2024/2025 Kenya Cup first runners-up Menengai Oilers will be at home at the Refinery Grounds, hosting Daystar Falcons. With only three matches before the break, every fixture counts.
For Nakuru RFC, the season marks another step in their rebuilding journey under interim coach Javan Otieno, who helped the side survive relegation last season.
“Our targets this season are very clear, we are aiming to play in the playoffs. We have three matches this year before the break, and we are focusing on getting maximum points. If we can win at least two of those matches, that will give us a better platform heading into next year," Otieno says.
Nakuru’s opening game is an away match against Kenya Harlequins, another team undergoing transition.
The coach, working with Donald , has infused new talent into the squad with five new signings complementing experienced players.
“Last season I only joined in the last three matches to help the team avoid relegation, and we thank God we won all of them. This time, with better preparation and better selection, we want to make Nakuru a competitive team, not just a participating team,” he says.
Nakuru finished 10th last season, a position Otieno insists must improve.
“One of our biggest lessons was poor selection. We are correcting that. We must dominate set pieces because that cost the team heavily last year,” he says.
Nakuru have lost a few players, including Philip Okeyo to Menengai Oilers and another player who joined Kabras. Still, Otieno believes the club is on its way back.
“This club may look like it’s dying, but it’s naturally coming back. With good systems and better governance, it will return to where it belongs,” he adds.
Meanwhile, Menengai Oilers are focused on building on last season’s impressive run. Head coach Gibson Weru says the team is entering the season stronger and more prepared.
“We did not lose any players. We actually got one from the Pirates. The overall scope is to improve, team culture, technical ability, and performing better than last season,” Weru says.
He says their preseason has created a better place to gauge themselves.
“We have had some really good pre-season matches after winning the 2025 Impala Floodlit tournament. Starting against KCB was a big test, and winning showed the boys’ mental strength. We also toured Kampala and played the champions there, which gave us a good feel of where we are,” Weru adds.
However, the coach insists the early fixtures are not just about maximum points.
“It’s not always about maximum points. We set targets such as improving our defense, we want to concede the least points possible. If we score 20 and concede zero, that’s a happier day for me than a 50-30 win. Defense will be very important for us this season,” Weru concludes.