The 2022
National Sevens Series champions, Menengai Oilers, will field a youthful
squad for the series, which starts with Driftwood Sevens on July 26-27 in
Mombasa.
Speaking on Thursday, Oilers Sevens' coach Geoffrey Ominde believes the youthful team are more competitive and have what it takes to finish in the top three in the series.
“ We have opted to do things differently, and we want to expose some of our younger players to the rigours of Sevens rugby. We have been training for the last two months, and the boys are ready to play, “ added Ominde.
Among the youthful talent the Nakuru side will be introducing includes Kenya Under 20 stars Daniel Kipchirchir, Brian Achacha, Wilson Tonya, Justus Lunale, and Benedict Muiruri, who excelled for Chipu during the Barthes Cup in April in Zimbabwe.They will play alongside the likes of Kenya Sevens international Dennis Abukuse.
Ominde said, despite not playing any build-up tournament, he believes his side can challenge top teams, including champions, Quins, KCB and Kabras.
“We will
stick to our strategy and structure, but we will add a few tweaks to the system
and see where we land," he observed.
Ominde, who has played for Kenya Simbas and Morans before, said he will leverage his experience as a first-year coach.
“ I have worked with Gibson Weru for the better part of this year, and I am mentally prepared for the challenge. It's an honour to coach this great club," he noted.
The former fly-half expects a competitive series this time round.
“ There
are no teams to underestimate; all the teams have worked hard during the
pre-season, and we are ready to handle whatever will be thrown at us."
Oilers finished fourth last year with 83 points and didn't win any tournament. He said: "This time round, consistency will be key. Last year, we blew hot and cold, so I hope we can win the main cup quarters for the six legs."
Head coach
Gibson Weru is expected to play an oversight role for the series as he focuses
on the preparation for the start of the Kenya Cup in November.
Elsewhere, the Driftwood Sevens tournament has received a major boost with a sponsorship deal of Sh3 million from Kenya Breweries.
