Gibson Weru sums Oilers’ season as ‘disappointing’, outlines plan for 7s circuit

Nakuru-based Menengai Oilers have had an equal share of highs and lows in the recently concluded KRU Kenya Cup season. The side finished the regular season at position three with 37 points, a drop from last season when they qualified for the final stage but were defeated by Kabras RFC by a score of 34-28.

This season, the Oilers received beatings from varsity sides Blak Blad (17-16) and Strathmore Leos (25-21). They also lost to KCB RFC during the regular season (29-23), and in the semifinals (38-20).

According to coach Gibson Weru, the team’s performance this season has been lackluster. Gibu was speaking to Mozzart Sport after the Enterprise Cup semifinal where Oilers suffered a narrow 19-17 loss to Kabras RFC.

Kabras sneak past Oilers to make Enterprise Cup finals

“I am extremely disappointed with our performance. I think we did not play to our expectations. We prepared extremely hard in terms of our training. We had a solid preseason but again, we could not get the momentum going for the season. I feel that we needed something to show for the effort we put in,” Gibu stated.

From a solid pre-season to a tough Kenya Cup season and now the intriguing Enterprise Cup matches, Gibu observed that the boys had done enough technically, and all he needed to do was instill self-belief in them.

“I think it is just self-belief. We have not done much technically. I think it is one of those seasons where we worked extremely hard to make sure that we are ready for the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup. It is one of those phases where we told players that they needed to believe in themselves, they have the ability, and make the right combinations,” he disclosed.

He however acknowledged that the solid pre-season contributed to their third-place finish as several of his charges were worn out early in the season.

“I think at some point it caught up with us because we worked extremely hard then we felt that there were areas that were a bit undercooked so we tried to put in a bit more work during the pre-season. The boys were tired, physically they were not in the right state but again, it is one of those areas as a coach where you want to make sure the players are in top form. Quite disappointing, but we have picked the lessons we learn, and I can promise you that we will come back a better side,” Gibu said.

What to look forward to in the upcoming 7s circuit

According to Gibu, the 2022 National Sevens Circuit Champions, Oilers will be a force to be reckoned with come this year’s circuit. The tactician made hints about the debut of new talents that he is optimistic will wow.

“I feel that we have a very good squad, and very exciting young talents that we will unleash going into the 7s circuit,” he concluded.