Chrispine Shitundo of Oilers breaks off a tackle by a Blak Blad opponent during a recent league match/HANDOUTMenengai Oilers’ coach Geoffrey Ominde insists they are still in the hunt for the National Sevens Series title despite trailing leaders KCB by 18 points with two tournaments to go.
The Nakuru-based side are third on the log with 64 points, behind KCB (82) and Strathmore Leos (80).
They finished third at the Embu Sevens last weekend, but Ominde still has hopes of overhauling the leading pack.
“There are 44 points on offer and, of course, KCB and Strathmore Leos have to slip up for us to have a chance. But this being Sevens (rugby), anything can happen,” observed Ominde.
In addition, the former Shujaa playmaker revealed the likes of Kenya Sevens’ stars John Okoth and Dennis Abukuse are mentoring the young side.
“They have played a very important role and you can see the results are good for a young side. I am confident we will get better,” noted Ominde.
The Nakuru-based side, who won the overall Sevens crown in 2022, opted for a young side this season and Ominde believes the gamble has paid off.
“We are building for the future. Our recent performances have been impressive after reaching the final at Christie Sevens, losing to KCB. In Embu, we lost (in the semis) to eventual winners Strathmore. We are on the right trajectory with his group,” said Ominde.
However, there’s a need to improve their kick-off reception and defence ahead of the Kabeberi Sevens in a fortnight at the RFUEA ground.
“We are still doing a review (of Embu and Christie Sevens), but two things stand out: kick-off reception and defence. We will have to be much better in the air to maintain possession and in one-on-one tackles. I believe we can go on a good run in the final two tournaments,” said Ominde.
Oilers face Kabras, Embu and Kisumu RFC in Group D and the coach expects a hard-fought battle.
“We have already beaten Kabras this season, but they have improved and will offer a stern test. Kisumu and Embu will not be a walk in the park either,” he said.
Leaders KCB face Nakuru, Mean Machine and Mombasa in Group A. National champions Quins face Leos, Mwamba and Impala in Group B, while Group C has MMUST, Falcons, Monks and Homeboyz.
