Weru elated with Elkeans Musonye's weekend Kenya Cup performance

Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson Weru has lauded former Kenya Harlequin's star Elkeans Musonye on his performance against Homeboyz RFC in the match played on Saturday 2 at the Refinery in Nakuru.

Musonye made his debut for the Oilers in style by scoring the final try.

The match ended 43-13 in favor of Weru's charges.

Reflecting on the weekend, the tactician described Musonye as a hard worker on the pitch.

"Elkeans scored despite being on the pitch for a few minutes. He also worked hard for the team," Weru noted.

Musonye brings a wealth of experience to the Nakuru-based side, having played for MMUST, Impala, and Quins as well as the Simbas in the last five years.

He was part of Simbas' squad that represented Kenya during the recently concluded 2023 legs of the Elgon and Victoria Cups.

Kenya Simbas claimed the 14th Elgon Cup after a 20-13 win over Uganda Cranes in the final, one that saw them bounce back from their narrow 21-20 defeat to the Cranes in the Victoria Cup finals.

Clinton Odhiambo, Kenya 15s International Beldad Ogeta, captain Ibrahim Ayoo, Tyson Maina, and Brian Ndirangu all scored for the Oilers.

Other players who made their debuts included Celestine Mboi, Alvin Khavoli, and Abdon Jadha.

"Celestine, on a scale of ten, let me give him an eight. He got all his lineout throws, carried well, and defended well. Alvin continued his good form," Weru praised.

The former Kenya Shujaa and Nakuru RFC playmaker also showered praises on his charges' fighting spirit over the weekend.

"A good victory to start the season, perfect things that we have seen. Our setpieces were solid, our defense did well towards the end, and there was a good game," he averred.

The team captain, Ibrahim Ayoo, was pleased with the debutants' impressive showing, noting that they played according to the book.

The Oilers will be looking to stage a repeat of the 2021/22 Kenya Cup season where they qualified for the final stage but went down 34-28 to Kabras RFC.

"The first game was good. The debutants came in well. Points, on our side it was fine. We were not under pressure. All we needed was a win. Everything went on well. Our setpieces were fine, we do not look into points alone. God will help us go with our system. I am very proud to lead the boys to this win. I am looking forward to leading them more," Ayoo said.

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The big man also sent a stern warning to their opponents, noting that they (Oilers) were sizzling hot this season.

"We are ready for the season. It has just started.”

With the win behind them, the Oilers have shifted focus to their second match where they will travel to Nairobi to play Mwamba RFC.