Menengai Oilers will seek to go one place better at this weekend’s Kabeberi Sevens at the RFUEA ground.
Gibson Weru’s charges put on arguably their best performance of the series in reaching the Dala Sevens final, where they lost 24-5 to Kabras.
Weru believes they must address shortcomings in kick-off reception if they are to go the distance.
“A very commendable performance from the boys but there are areas we have to work on... like kick-off reception,” said Weru.
The tactician expects to have Kenya Sevens talisman John Okoth available after a three-week break following the Olympics. He will be a big asset.
“He trained with us this week, is in good shape and is raring to go,” observed Weru.
The Nakuru-based side open their Pool 'B' campaign against Kisumu RFC followed by Kabete Stallions and Catholic Monks.
Fresh from winning Dala Sevens, Kabras will seek to consolidate the top spot on the log when they take on Impala RFC, Strathmore Leos and Nakuru in Pool 'A'.
Felix Ayange’s charges top the standings with 61 points, two ahead of Quins.
Ayange said they will take one game at a time.
“It’s going to be tricky. There are areas of play we need to improve, especially in attack. But overall, I am happy with where the team is. We are relishing the battle (this weekend),” observed Ayange.
Kenya Sevens co-captain Vincent Onyala returns to the KCB side as the bankers chase their first win of the season.
Dennis Mwanja’s charges have blown hot and cold this season and need a win to keep their hopes alive.
The bankers are in Pool 'D' alongside Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology(MMUST), hosts Mwamba and minnows MKU Thika.
Mwanja believes Onyala’s return — alongside Samuel Asati, Festus Shiasi and Levi Amunga — will be vital.
“It’s a big boost but we need to reduce our error rate and be clinical when the opportunities come,” added Mwanja.
Quins are placed in Pool ‘C’ alongside Nondies, Daystar and Blak Blad.
After Kabeberi, the series will take a one-week break before resuming with the Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa on September 7-8.
