Menengai Oilers’ emphatic 42-3 victory over Impala RFC in the 2024 Impala Floodlights Tournament has ignited high hopes for their future in Kenyan rugby. Head coach Gibson Weru believes that this breakthrough win, the team’s first major 15s trophy, will serve as a catalyst for even greater accomplishments in the coming Kenya Cup season. The Oilers, known for their resilience and growth since their founding in 2016, are set to kick off their 2024/25 campaign against Kisumu RFC on November 23. This article explores the significance of the Floodies win for the Oilers, the team’s growth journey, and their ambitions for the upcoming season.
Breaking the Barrier: Oilers’ First Major 15s Victory
The Oilers’ success at the Floodlights Tournament marks a significant milestone in their journey. Since the team’s inception, the Menengai Oilers have been building momentum, coming close to silverware in the past but falling just short. Their narrow loss to KCB Rugby in the 2019 club final served as motivation for the team to push harder, and their determination finally paid off with this decisive victory.
In his post-match remarks, Coach Weru expressed his joy at seeing the Oilers reach this long-awaited goal. “I am very excited. It has been a long time coming. The journey started in 2016, and finally, we have our first major 15s trophy. I hope and believe this is the start of many things to come,” he shared.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The Oilers’ victory was not just a display of skill but also a testament to their resilience. Playing one man down for over 60 minutes, the team showed grit and determination to maintain their lead and extend it. This resilience, according to Weru, has been a key part of the Oilers’ identity and will be crucial as they enter the Kenya Cup season.
“This tournament gauged how we prepared, and our preparations have been getting better over the years,” Weru noted. “Finally, we have a platform as we start the Kenya Cup season. We still have a lot to work on and improvements to be made, but this win is a strong foundation.”
Building Momentum for the Kenya Cup Season
As the Oilers set their sights on the 2024/25 Kenya Cup season, Coach Weru is confident that the Floodies win will provide the team with the motivation and confidence needed to compete at a high level. The upcoming season will see them face formidable opponents, including Kabras RFC, but Weru believes that this victory is just the beginning.
“We can only use this as a springboard for the upcoming 15s season,” Weru said. “We’re excited and motivated to start the season well.”
This year, Weru plans to emphasize the importance of steady improvement, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of “Kaizen”—meaning continuous improvement. “Our immediate target is to improve and keep making steps forward. Kaizen, a step at a time. We know our opponents, like Kabras RFC, present a different kind of mental game, but we’ll figure out how to compete against them this season,” he explained.
Reflecting on the Journey and Lessons Learned
For Coach Weru, the Floodlights victory holds a special meaning. As a former player, Weru knows the impact of winning a team’s first major title. He reflected on his own experience and shared his belief that this win will open new doors for his players, both in terms of confidence and motivation.
“Winning gives you a lot of motivation and confidence going into games,” Weru said. “As a player, I played for a team where we struggled, but once we won our first silverware, it did magic.”
The team’s journey since 2016 has been one of gradual growth, with each season bringing valuable lessons. Weru’s leadership has been instrumental in this progress, guiding the Oilers through both triumphs and challenges and fostering a culture of resilience and hard work. Now, with the Floodies title under their belt, the Oilers are poised to take on bigger challenges in the Kenya Cup.
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Looking Ahead: The Oilers’ Kenya Cup Campaign
The Oilers will begin their Kenya Cup campaign with a home match against Kisumu RFC on November 23 at the Nakuru Athletic Club. As they prepare for the season, the team’s focus will be on building on their recent success and maintaining the momentum they’ve gained from the Floodlights Tournament. The Oilers’ journey from a fledgling team to one of Kenya’s rising rugby powerhouses is a testament to their dedication and resilience, and they are now ready to compete for more silverware.
Key Players to Watch
The Oilers’ success can be attributed not only to Coach Weru’s guidance but also to standout players who have made significant contributions on the field. Players like Max Kanambo, who played a key role in their Floodies victory, and captain Fidel Okwemba are expected to be pivotal figures as the team navigates the Kenya Cup season.
With new talent rising and seasoned players leading the charge, the Oilers boast a well-rounded squad capable of challenging top teams in the league. The combination of experience and youthful energy will be essential as they face tough opponents and work toward their goal of lifting the Kenya Cup.
The Bigger Picture: Setting New Standards in Kenyan Rugby
Menengai Oilers’ recent achievements are setting new standards in Kenyan rugby, inspiring other teams to pursue excellence. Their victory at the Floodlights Tournament is not just a milestone for the club but a positive development for rugby in Kenya. As more clubs in the Kenya Cup strive to reach similar levels of success, the sport is expected to gain greater visibility and popularity in the region.
The Oilers’ journey embodies the spirit of growth and resilience, showcasing the power of teamwork and perseverance. Their commitment to “Kaizen” or continuous improvement serves as a model for other clubs, encouraging a culture of relentless pursuit of excellence in Kenyan rugby.
