Menengai Oilers have received a major boost following the return of skipper Ibrahim Ayoo ahead of the Enterprise Cup semifinal against Nondies on Saturday in Nakuru.
Ayoo had missed their matches against KCB, Kabras and South Coast Pirates in the Kenya Cup after suspension for a high tackle against Nondies in January.
Head coach Gibson Weru said the return of the Kenya Simbas’ international will boost the forward pack for the match against Nondies as well as the Kenya Cup playoff quarter-final against Blak Blad on March 22.
“The return of Ayoo is timely. We are entering a critical phase of the season and he brings leadership and maturity to the squad. We are happy he is back,” added Weru.
The tactician observed game management and defence will be key for his charges as the league approaches the business state of the season.
Oilers finished third in the standings with 47 points, losing two games—20-14 to reigning champions Kabras and 29-27 to KCB — in the league phase.
“If you observed both matches, our game management and defence were not up to expectations. So we will go back to the drawing board to clean up those areas and I believe we can finish the season strongly,” noted Weru.
“Mentally, the boys are in good space despite losing both games. If we are to play them in the semis or finals, we will be in a better position and we can go all the way.”
Weru expects a competitive clash against the resurgent Nondies, whom they beat 34-25 in the Kenya Cup in January.
“Nondies have signed some experienced players and have been among the impressive teams in the league. We know it will be a tough battle that will be won in the forwards,” he noted.
Oilers, who were
founded in 2015 and
promoted in 2017 to
the Kenya Cup, have
only bagged one
15’s trophy—the
Impala Floodlit
— last year. The
Enterprise presents an opportunity to win a
major silverware.
