Menengai Oilers have received a big boost ahead of the start of the Kenya Cup season with the return of stars Dennis Abukuse and Timothy Okwemba.
The duo missed the Impala Floodlit preseason tournament due to injuries. Abukuse suffered a head injury during the Christie Sevens in August while Okwemba suffered a slight knock during the Seven Series.
Abukuse missed Shujaa’s Africa Sevens Cup-cum-Olympic qualifiers in Zimbabwe in September where Kenya stunned South Africa 17-12 to punch their tickets to next year’s Paris Olympics.
The Nakuru-based side have also signed prop Celestine Mboi from Daystar University and backrow Jardon Abdon from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology(MMUST) in attempt to bolster their forward pack.
A delighted head coach, Gibson Weru, said the duo’s return will be vital as they set their sights on a maiden Kenya Cup crown.
“It’s good to have them back in training. They bring a lot of speed and x-factor to the side. We want to start the league well and I am confident with the players we have for the upcoming season. We want to go flat out and challenge the top two teams — Kabras and KCB,” said Weru.
Oilers finished a disappointing fourth at the Impala Floodlit tournament after losing 14-11 in the bronze medal match to a stubborn Blak Blad outfit. Weru said there is still work to be done on several facets of their play.
“The Floodlit tournament was an eye-opener on how we want to play for the upcoming season. Our defensive patterns, set-piece and attack also has to be refined but once the season kicks off, you sill see an improved team,” added Weru.
The former Kenya Sevens playmaker said they might play a friendly match before the season kicks off but is unsure against who.
Oilers crashed out in the semifinals last season, falling 38-20 to KCB in Ruaraka.
