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Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson Weru has expressed confidence in his team’s preparations for the upcoming Nakuru Derby against Nakuru RFC at Nakuru Athletic Club this Saturday evening.

Oilers head into the match with a positive track record, boasting a three-match unbeaten run, while Nakuru RFC has experienced a mix of results with a loss, draw, and a win in their opening three matches.

Oilers preparedness

Weru, who previously won the Kenya Cup with Nakuru RFC, believes that Menengai Oilers are well-prepared for the Nakuru Derby.

He expresses optimism that his team will build on the momentum they had last year, emphasizing the importance of a strong performance in the upcoming match.

“I think we have had some good preparations since the Christmas break. We ended last year on a good run and we are keen to build momentum early on in the year. I believe the next five weeks are going to be crucial for us but then again the most important is the first game of the year,” Weru told the club’s media.

Oilers are yet to win at Nakuru Athletics Club and Weru is aware of the threat the Wanyore are set to pose.

“We are playing a familiar opposition and it is one of those games that has a lot of interest from the town depending on whichever team you are supporting. We know Nakuru very well, it is a side that is very spirited especially when they are playing Oilers but for us, we don’t want to be carried away. We just want to play rugby, stick to our plan and execute,” he added.

“I believe this game is more of a test of character than rugby itself. We have very good rugby players so it is just a matter of being able to play at that level with the pressure that comes from the derby. If we can overcome,” he revealed.

The coach has made only one change in the starting and he explained that his to maintain the winning formula.

“We have selected a team that has been growing for the last three games and that is what we want to maintain. They say you don’t change what is working for you and that is exactly what we are trying to do, we are building a rhythm with this side,”

Oilers pack selection

“We have maintained our starting forwards but then we have made a change in the backs. John Okoth is away on national team duty and is therefore replaced by Johnstone Mung’au who missed the Strathmore game due to family commitments.,” he stated.

“Tyson Maina is back from injury and we just want to build up his game time with off the bench cameos. We have also included Sam Mwaura, I think he is a player of high caliber and has trained with us for a while so we feel he can contribute at some point in the game,” he added.