Menengai Oilers, a Nakuru-based rugby outfit, are aiming for their third consecutive Impala Floodlit title. The team, under head coach Lawi Buyachi, is determined to make a statement ahead of the Kenya Cup season, which kicks off in November. Buyachi believes his side has learned valuable lessons from a challenging previous campaign and is eager to make amends for past failures. The team's performance in the previous season was marred by inconsistent execution under pressure in big matches.
Last season, Menengai Oilers suffered a shocking 35-17 defeat to Nondies in the Kenya Cup quarterfinals and a 29-20 loss to Kabras Sugar in the Enterprise Cup semifinals. Buyachi identified consistency and fighting spirit as key areas for improvement. He noted that the team struggled to execute under pressure in big moments, particularly against top-tier opponents. The former Kenya Simbas back-row emphasized that the team's fighting spirit was lacking, as they often folded up too easily against strong opponents.
Buyachi expressed confidence in his team's renewed edge and hunger for major prizes, specifically the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup. He stated that the boys are determined and relishing the battle, having come up empty-handed last season. With a long season ahead, Buyachi aims to have his team at the top come the end of the season. The team's pre-season training has shown promising signs, and Buyachi believes they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
The Impala Floodlit tournament, which starts in three weeks, is a crucial competition for Menengai Oilers. Buyachi wants his team to win and build momentum for the 15s season. The team has won the past two seasons, and their goal is to secure a third title. However, Buyachi expects a tough battle from teams like KCB, Nondies, Quins, Impala, and Mwamba. To retain their title, he emphasized that his team must be at their best across the three Saturdays of the tournament.
Despite receiving an invitation to participate in the Kampala International Sevens tournament, Menengai Oilers have decided not to participate. Instead, they will prioritize the 15s season, focusing all their energy on the Impala Floodlit and the Kenya Cup. Buyachi confirmed that the team will not be participating in the sevens tournament, opting to concentrate on their 15s campaign.
Buyachi's team has shown promising signs in pre-season training, and he is optimistic about their chances in the upcoming competitions. The team's determination and renewed hunger for success are evident, and Buyachi believes they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. With a strong squad and a clear strategy, Menengai Oilers are poised to make a significant impact in the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup.
As the Impala Floodlit tournament approaches, Menengai Oilers are gearing up to defend their title. With a tough competition ahead, Buyachi's team will need to be at their best to emerge victorious. The team's performance in the tournament will be crucial in building momentum for the Kenya Cup season, and Buyachi is confident that his team has what it takes to succeed.
Key points
- Menengai Oilers are targeting their third consecutive Impala Floodlit title to build momentum for the Kenya Cup season.
- The team's head coach, Lawi Buyachi, has identified consistency and fighting spirit as key areas for improvement.
- Menengai Oilers have decided not to participate in the Kampala International Sevens tournament, prioritizing the 15s season instead.
