Menengai Oilers dreaming big ahead of Prinsloo 7s

Following a successful second round of the National 7s Circuit, Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson Weru is optimistic of his charges’ abilities ahead of the 2023 Prinsloo 7s scheduled for August 5-6 at the Nakuru Athletic Club.

The well-oiled Oilers kicked off their National 7s Circuit title defense on a wrong footing after finishing Dala 7s at sixth position.

They however bounced back in Mombasa as they showcased their smooth and structured play to reach the finals stage. The Nakuru-based club then bowed out after a 10-7 loss to Kabras RFC in sudden death of the closely contested finals.

According to Gibu, the boys had a successful outing in the Coastal city despite not clinching the title with the gaffer blaming the loss on lack of composure from his charges.

"We had a good tournament in Mombasa especially in terms of results. Unfortunately, we could not bring home the results but a lot of positives that we managed to attain especially on day two where we put up a good performance in both the quarters and semis as well as a spirited performance in the finals.

We lacked the composure to bring it home. But I am happy with the results. It gives us a lot of impetus going into the break," Gibu offered.

The tactician could not be prouder of the improvement he has witnessed within his team in terms of individual play, noting that his charges' zeal was motivating.

"In terms of individual performance, I am very pleased with what I am seeing. We are beginning to get combinations that are actually working. The hunger within the training group is amazing. The energy is very high, the camaraderie is encouraging. They are happy and are working hard for each other. It makes work easier for me," he said.

Gibu also underscored the importance of fine-tuning some aspects to propel the team to success. According to Gibu, the break came at the right time after the circuit took a two week-break to pave way for the World Rugby U20 Trophy that is ongoing at the Nyayo Stadium.

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The tournament that made a comeback to Kenya for the first time since 2009 kicked off on July 15 and will end on July 30.

"There are areas we need to polish on before Prinsloo 7s and most of them are tactical aspects that we need to employ, and this break has accorded us that. It gives us the opportunity to work harder in terms of how we want to play," Gibu disclosed.

The former Kenya 7s International was also impressed with the blending of young and experienced players in his squad.

His optimism also stemmed from the possible return of seasoned scrum half Samson Onsomu and Davis Nyaundi who missed the Driftwood 7s. The tactician is also enjoying an array of talents including Driftwood 7s Most Valuable Player Dennis Abukuse and playmaker Beldad Ogeta.

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"We have very young and exciting players in the squad. In Mombasa, we introduced Timothy Lugalia who played extremely well and it encouraged us. There are still players in the pipeline who are impressing in training heading to Prinsloo 7.

Samson Onsomu is coming of age in terms of his fitness so we hope he gets fitter because he has an amazing vision and skillset. Davis Nyaundi could not make the trip to Mombasa due to injuries. He is getting back in shape and we hope he will be fit by the time we get to play," he revealed.

The defending champions head into the third leg placed at fourth position on the log with 31 points. They are hunting for as many points as possible to defend the overall title.

The 2021/22 Kenya Cup finalists will be looking to defend the title they last won on July 11, 2022 after defeating Strathmore Leos 12-7 in the nail-biting finals. They will also be keen to capitalize on the home advantage to achieve remarkable feats.