Menengai Oilers fired-up for the Prinsloo Sevens title fight

Menengai Oilers RFC head coach Gibson Weru is confident his side will deliver on the set targets when his charges launch their National Rugby Sevens Series title campaign in the Prinsloo Sevens that kicks-off this weekend at the Athletic Club in Nakuru.

Weru, a former Shujaa captain, will lead the squad in its third consecutive season in the top flight and the Nakuru-based Oilers are enthusiastic of causing ripples in the domestic sevens circuit again.

Oilers have been pooled in a rather competitive Group ‘B’ which also consists of  Impala Saracens, championship side Western Bulls and nationwide side Mombasa RFC

“My young players are driven with passion and resilience and every challenge comes with a vital lesson for us,” said Weru in an interview with Citizen Digital. “It’s about hard work and commitment.”

The Nakuru based team fondly known for its sleek passing and pacy wingers was recently promoted to the Kenya Cup after a splendid performance in the championship league, and will certainly be a team to watch in Nakuru show.

“ I have a good team with abundant talent. We are ready for the challenges ahead and this being our third year for us, we hope we can achieve a podium finish ,” Weru added.

On the same breath, Weru is banking on his experienced side to deliver, highlighting a few names he thinks will stand out, among them skipper Harold Anduvate who has been exceptional for the side, the 19-year-old Anthony Kibet, Derrick Mbaire amongst others.

The soft spoken tactician also believes this will be an attractive destination if not a breathtaking scenery for their fans and the idea and prospect of watching their players rumble could be an overwhelming experience.

“I urge our loyal home fans to come out in large numbers to support their home team and hopefully we shall deliver. It’s not going to be easy because I know teams have been waiting for this opportunity to showcase their quality so may the best team win,” Weru added.

Since the tournament’s inception 27 years ago in 1990, Prinsloo Sevens has been a key date on the Kenyan rugby calendar.

Fans from across the country are expected to turn up in large numbers to support their teams in the shorter version of the game during the three days of rugby action.

Division 1 Pools

Pool A: Kabras Sugar, Strathmore Leos, Stanbic Mwamba, Mean Machine

Pool B: Menengai Cream Homeboyz, Kenya Harlequin, Blak Blad, Silverstone Kisumu

Pool C: Resolution Impala Saracens, Menengai Oilers, Western Bulls, Regional Logistics Mombasa

Pool D: KCB, Top Fry Nakuru, Nondescripts, Nzoia Sugar Webuye.

National Sevens Circuit Venues & Dates:

Nakuru: Prinsloo Sevens: 21st /22nd July – Nakuru Athletic Club

Eldoret: Sepetuka Sevens: 28th/29th July – Eldoret Sports Club

Machakos: Kabeberi Sevens: 18th/19th August – Kenyatta Stadium

Mombasa: Driftwood Sevens: 25th/26th August – Mombasa Sports Club

Kisumu: Dala Sevens: 8th/9th September – Mamboleo Showground

Nairobi: Christie Sevens: 15th/16th September – RFUEA Ground