Oilers' Timothy Omela during a recent match/HANDOUTTactical discipline and adaptability will be key if Menengai Oilers are to defend their Impala Floodlit crown, head coach Gibson Weru has said.
The Nakuru-based side advanced to the semi-finals after a hard-fought 16-13 win over ten-time champions KCB in a tense quarter-final over the weekend.
Weru said his players had to adjust their game plan to cope with the challenging conditions.
“The match against KCB was tricky and difficult. We had to make some tweaks as the match progressed due to the changing climatic conditions. It was a real arm-wrestle and credit to the boys for staying in the fight until the end,” said Weru.
The coach also praised his team’s mental resilience after overturning a 10-6 half-time deficit to secure victory.
“It was a real battle in the first half, but the boys stayed composed and never gave up. It’s a good indicator that we have learnt lessons from the past, where matches like that we could end up losing,” he added.
Weru’s focus now shifts to this weekend’s semi-final, where the Oilers face a resurgent Blak Blad side that stunned Kenya Harlequin 35-13 in their quarter-final.
“Blak Blad are full of energy and have tremendously improved in the last three seasons, so we will not be underestimating them,” he warned.
Looking beyond the tournament, Weru said his long-term goal remains winning the Kenya Cup, having lost twice to Kabras Sugar in the 2022 and 2024 finals.
“This being a pre-season tournament, we are looking at our tactical strategies, set-piece, defensive alignment and cohesion. We played in the final last year, losing to Kabras by a point. Now we must go all out to win the title,” said Weru.
The second semi-final will pit old rivals Impala against Nondescripts. Impala narrowly edged Mwamba 24-21 after extra time, while Nondies defeated Strathmore Leos 24-21 in an entertaining clash.
In the varsity category, USIU Martials will face Daystar Falcons, while JKUAT Cougars take on Zetech Oaks.
The semi-finals are slated for Saturday, with the final set for 8 November at the Impala Club.
