Menengai Oilers coach reveals reason behind disappointing run in 7s campaign

Menengai Oilers, the reigning National 7s Circuit champions, will not be able to defend their title this season, leaving head coach Gibson Weru disappointed with their performance.

As they head into the final leg of the circuit, the Oilers find themselves in fourth place on the leaderboard with 71 points.

Menengai Oilers title hopes

Even if they manage to win the Kabeberi 7s this weekend, it won’t be enough to secure the title. Their best showing this season was at the Driftwood 7s, where they finished as runners-up after losing 12-7 to Kabras.

Coach Weru reflected on the challenges they faced this season, citing the loss of key players as a setback. Injuries sidelined crucial names such as Davis Otundo, Beldad Ogeta, Denis Abukuse, and Chrispin Shitundo, while John Okoth joined the Kenya 7s camp. These absences disrupted their rhythm and tactical execution.

“It has been a disappointing season from my point of view. I expected us to finish much higher than we will. There have been so many things that did not go well with how we have adjusted with the absence of our key players and tactically also, we have been found wanting in a number of areas that we cannot really address at this point of the season. The club and the fans deserve more,” Coach Weru told Oilers media.

Menengai Oilers injuries

“We lost a number of key players throughout the season, and it affected our performance.

We first lost Otundo who I felt was destined to be a star in this 7s circuit, Abukuse has been our talisman, Beldad has been our top scorer, Okoth has broken the line for us and given us opportunities in attack, Shitundo has led well and is a player who is very dependable and reliable. Losing those five players made it hard to maintain the rhythm that we had,” he said.

Looking ahead to the final leg, Coach Weru discussed the team’s selection process and highlighted the inclusion of young talents like Mintri and Odero. He also mentioned Harold, who has been working diligently on his rehab, and Asanga, set to make his 7s debut.

“We are in a tough pool with Catholic Monks, Moi University, and KCB. Our aim is to see if we can be able to top that pool,” Coach Weru concluded.

Despite the challenges faced this season, the Menengai Oilers remain determined to give their best performance in the final leg of the National 7s Circuit.