Menengai Oilers’ tactician Gibson Weru is happy to achieved his first goal of winning the first four league games and he has set sight on winning remaining eight with his side keen to win the Kenya Cup title at the end of the season.
The side reached the finals for the first time last season but missed a silverware following a 34-28 defeat to Kabras RFC in the final match played at the ASK Grounds in Kakamega.
Speaking after the 37-22 win over Homeboyz RFC at the Jamhuri Grounds, Weru lauded his charges’ remarkable performance that helped them attain their first goal of winning all their opening four games to end the year on a high.
“Our initial goal was to win the first four games this season, and we have attained that, although not in the way we wanted to win. This win gives me (as a coach) a look at where we need to adjust and get better especially making sure we improve our defense. It is good to end the year on a high.”
ULTIMATE GOAL OF WINNING THE TITLE
He was optimistic that their performance so far placed them on the right track towards their ultimate goal of winning the Kenya Cup title, doubled up with the presence of experienced players from the Shujaa and Simbas.
Some of the players include Geoffrey Ominde who was named in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final Qualification tournament’s squad, John Okoth, Clinton Odhiambo among others.
“The ultimate goal is to win the Kenya Cup after we failed last year, but there are small steps that we need to achieve before we get there. Our main focus was to win the opening four matches, and later set for the next four and finally wind up with the last two. We have a much-experienced side this season with the guys who played for the Simbas in South Africa during the Currie Cup and then the repechage and we have players who are playing in the 7’s and we have experience”.
AREAS TO WORK ON
Despite that, the tactician was keen to point out areas that they would work on ahead of their matches next year. Among the areas include their defense which Weru said was inconsistent. According to the Coach, their attack is sharp but better decision-making skills are much needed.
“For us is to make sure we improve in every area. Our set pieces are getting better but not at the level we want them to be. Our attack is sharp but is not making the right decisions. Our defense is not consistent. There is so much to be done for me as a coach. We only get better, and sharper and we want to win every game we play.” Were revealed.
SECRET BEHIND GOOD PERFORMANCE
He is however confident that their solid preseason is finally paying off. The side had three months of physical and technical preparation, and this saw them bag victories in all their opening matches.
“We have had a solid preseason and that is why we are playing well. We put in three months of hard work, physically. Some of the boys have never been in this shape. Most of them are fit, agile, and better. We put in a lot of work in the technical aspect of the game.”
Menengai Oilers head to the Christmas break placed second on the log with 19 points and are on level points with Kabras RFC.
