Samson Onsomu set for change in position at Menengai Oilers
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 03.11.25. | 15:48
For Onsomu, who has years of top-flight experience, the shift between the two pivotal positions is not entirely unfamiliar territory
Former Kenya Simbas captain Samson Onsomu is set for a fresh challenge at Menengai Oilers, with head coach Gibson Weru confirming that the veteran halfback will feature more at fly-half than his usual scrum-half position in the upcoming 2025/26 Kenya Cup season.
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Onsomu, who started at number 10 during the Impala Floodlit quarterfinal clash against KCB Rugby a fortnight ago, offered a glimpse of his adaptability before reverting to his natural role later in the match due to the heavy downpour.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Weru expressed confidence that the experienced playmaker could be the missing link in the Oilers’ attacking structure. The tactician sees the transition as a strategic move to strengthen their backline depth.
“He has something that I see in him, something that suits a running game. Saturday was a different game, so it did not really show, but he is perfect; still one of the best I have seen. We are still working on his kicking game, which is something we can improve,” he said.
Weru added that Onsomu’s versatility offers the team tactical balance, especially with limited fly-half options. The Oilers have Samuel Mwaura and reliable kicker Geoffrey Ominde as their flyhalves, and Weru is focused on depth.
“We will see a lot of him at 10 this season compared to nine. Mwaura is also a good number 10, but we do not have a backup 10. So, Onsomu looks like the guy we will look for in that position.
At nine, we have very young, dynamic players who we did not select for Floodies because of the nature of the game, but they are very good scrum halves,” he said.
For Onsomu, who has years of top-flight experience, the shift between the two pivotal positions is not entirely unfamiliar territory.
“Ten and nine are somehow intertwined. When you play in those positions, you know what is going on in the team, the structure is the same, only the implementation and what the coach wants you to do,” he disclosed.
Reflecting on the weather-affected Floodlit quarterfinal, Onsomu admitted the conditions tested his adaptability.
“The weather was a surprise to us. We knew it was going to rain, but we did not know it would happen during our game. We did not adapt well to the first-half conditions.
We knew at some point I would go to nine, but I was just playing what was ahead of me and adapting to the situation,” he offered.
If Weru’s gamble pays off, Onsomu might just be the X-factor Oilers need to finally clinch their maiden Kenya Cup title.
