Menengai Oilers will draw on the lessons and experience gained from Kenya Cup final clash with Kabras Sugar RFC, coach Gibson Weru has said.
The two rugby clubs arguably the best in Kenya at the moment are preparing to face off once again in the Enterprise Cup final.
This final slated for Saturday (April 26) termed Rai Derby at the Nakuru ASK Showground will be the second for both clubs in a period of two weeks.
Oilers head coach said the loss to Kabras Sugar in Kenya Cup final held in Kakamega was a good lesson his players learned and noted that there will be room for excuses this time round.
He has assured Oilers fans to show up in large numbers and witness their team, for the first time, lift the Enterprise Cup trophy at home.
The Nakuru-based club lost narrowly to Kabras Sugar in Kenya Cup a fortnight ago 27-26. Despite the loss, Weru is categorical, Oilers have respect for Kabras Sugar but do not fear them.
“It was a nice experience for the players. The performance was superb. We realised after the game what worked against us and have since corrected,” said Weru.
He continued: “The team almost won the Kenya Cup finals against them. We are looking forward to playing with power and purpose while maintaining our usual entertaining and fluid rugby fashion.”
Rugby enthusiasts aver that Oilers are on a revenge mission against a formidable Kabras Sugar that last lost a competitive rugby match in February 2022 against their arch rivals KCB.
Weru is aware of the difficult task that awaits his boys, a reason why he leaving nothing to chance ahead of the much-awaited finals in Nakuru City for the first time.
“There will be no excuse this Saturday. The boys are hungry but will not be easy considering that our opponents have won four-peat in Kenya Cup and keen on retaining Enterprise Cup fifth time in a row,” said coach Weru.
There are no injury concerns in the team according to Weru and noted that Oilers were ready to give Kabras Sugar a run for their money.
“Luckily, we have no injury concerns going into the final. We are readying ourselves for a big battle. We expect to have tactical kicking, try to turn Kabras Sugar backline around while introducing as many decoys as possible,” Weru said.
The areas he said disadvantaged them was scrum which he revealed he had worked on and therefore players will do their part on the pitch.
“On scrum we must be perfect to enable us get some points and turn tables against Kabras Sugar. We have tried to improve on those areas before the Enterprise Cup final,” said Weru.
This season Menengai Oilers lifted Impala Floodlit, ESS and the most recent one being Great Rift 10s held in Nakuru. Weru said the mood and attitude of players was encouraging.
On his part, Kabras Sugar head coach knows that his lads have unfinished business in Nakuru before they break after the 2024/25 season.
All his players are available for selection save for the Kenya Sevens players including Kevin Wekesa, William Mwanji, Brian Tanga and Jone Kubu.
He wants his players to come out guns blazing on Saturday against the Oilers. According to the South African tactician, Kabras Sugar are meeting fluid Oilers. He plans to stick to the structure that has propelled his team to where it is this season.
His players are not under any pressure. “This is not the first final we are playing but the fifth one in a row. Players are not under pressure but they are what is expected of them,” said Katywa.
On a narrow win against Oilers in the Kenya Cup final, Katywa attributed it to sloppy substitutes made in the second half of the game which nearly cost the team.
“The hunger of those who came in from the bench did not match the level we wanted. That is water under bridge so the focus on Enterprise Cup,” said Katywa.
He assured Kabras Sugar fans of victory and urged them to come out in large numbers and support the team.
“For the last four years we have been approaching every game like final. I strongly believe we are the only one that can put ourselves under pressure,” said Katywa.
Kabras Sugar are sponsored by West Kenya Sugar Company, whose Managing Director is Tejveer Rai, while Menengai Oilers are sponsored by Menengai Oil Refineries Limited whose Managing Director is Tejveer’s younger brother Onkar Rai. West Kenya and Menengai Oils fall under Rai Group whose chairman is Jaswant Rai.
Weru and Katywa have attributed the sterling performance of their respective teams to unwavering support the sponsors direct to their teams.
“Honestly, we would not be where we are without our sponsor. In Kabras Sugar RFC there is culture of giving education of players and their welfare utmost priority so there is every reason for us to perform,” said Katywa.
Ahead of the Saturday Enterprise Cup final Tejveer said he was proud of both Kabras Sugar and Oilers for changing the rugby landscape in Kenya.
“Rugby talents are in rural places. All roads now days lead to Kakamega and now Nakuru, a complete departure from the previous norm where all roads were leading to Ngong in Nairobi,” said Tejveer.
He continued: “The fact the clash between Kabras Sugar and the Oilers could bring such a huge number of spectators from various parts of the country, shows how people love rugby so we shall endeavour to make the fans of the two clubs happy.”
Onkar said he was happy that Oilers had featured in two finals of Kenya’s tier one rugby tournaments. “Oilers have met the targets they set for this season I am happy for them. I know players are hungry they want to win Enterprise Cup,” said Onkar.
The Enterprise Cup remains the oldest rugby tournament in Kenya having started in 1930.
This update is generally attributed to Pura Vida’s Content team. Feel free to shared any feedback or or relevant info incase of inaccuracies.
Stay in the Know! Subscribe to our Official Newsletter for periodical updates.