Gibson Weru impressed with Oilers positive start to the season

Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson Weru is still radiating joy after the team saw off Nakuru RFC 19-8 in the closely contested Derby played at the Nakuru Athletic Club on Saturday 13 January.

The stunning performance saw them climb to position three on the log with 19 points, a step up the table.

Oilers kicked off their season on a high thrasing Homeboyz RFC 43-13 before seeing apart Mwamba RFC 67-0 and humbling Strathmore Leos 27-10 in their final match before the festive break.

The Nakuru-based team would then kickstart their year on strong with the victory over hometown rivals.

Reflecting on the successful weekend, Gibu showered praises on his charges, noting that their hard work was finally paying off.

Describing Nakuru RFC as worthy opponents, the former Kenya 7s international pointed out that the boys used the break to work on their shortcomings, and the results were visible.

"I am excited for the boys. We put in a lot of work this season since the beginning. Nakuru is a very good side when we play them here. We knew that we had never won here and we wanted to work hard and win, and that is what we did," Gibu started.

The tactician further observed that since the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season kicked off, the boys have showcased rare zeal, something he believes will propel them to achieve greater heights this season. The Oilers will be looking to stage a repeat of the 2021/22 season when they qualified for the final stage but went down 34-28 to Kabras RFC after a spirited fight.

"I must commend the boys. They are carrying themselves with great admiration in terms of their desire to win and keep growing in each game. It is something that I am very proud of," Gibu offered.

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The tactician however refused to be carried away by the progress so far, noting that there were some areas of improvement.

"I saw very good rugby. We can improve in a lot of areas, but I am very impressed so far," he observed.

Following the win, the Oilers will host Kenyatta University's Blak Blad on Saturday, January 20 in what will be a revenge mission. Blak Blad handed the Oilers their first defeat of the 2022/23 Kenya Cup season after narrowly overpowering them 17-16.

Gibu noted that they will utilize the home advantage to extend their winning streak.

"We have the upper hand because we will not travel. We will be playing at home and we will continue building the team and exposing players who have not grown in the squad. I am looking forward to the next round of matches," he concluded.

His sentiments were echoed by the Oilers' captain Ibrahim Ayoo who noted that they were aiming at a second Kenya Cup final appearance this year.

"The derby was fine, but in sports, there is a winner and a loser. Clearly from now on, there is no derby. The team in Nakuru is Menengai Oilers. For us, it is the fight to the Kenya Cup finals and we are chasing the cup," Ayoo concluded.

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Oilers' run so far

Menengai Oilers 43-13 Homeboyz RFC

Menengai Oilers 67-0 Mwamba RFC

Menengai Oilers 27-10 Strathmore Leos

Menengai Oilers 19-8 Nakuru RFC