Menengai Oilers seek first win over Kabras in high stakes Rai Derby

Kabras' William Mwanji in action with John Okoth during the Kenya Cup final last year at Kakamega Showground/HANDOUT 

Menengai Oilers assistant coach Lawi Buyachi believes composure and discipline will be key when they face champions Kabras Sugar RFC in a blockbuster Kenya Cup showdown at the Kakamega Showground on Saturday.

The Nakuru-based side is yet to register a win against their rivals in 14 meetings since earning promotion to the top tier in the 2017–2018 season.

The match, dubbed the “Rai Derby”, will be a repeat of last year’s Kenya Cup Final and Enterprise Cup Final, both of which Kabras won 27-26 and 33-12, respectively.

IN an interview, Buyachi said the gap between the two sides has narrowed over the years, and Saturday presents a golden opportunity for the Oilers to end their losing streak against the champions.

“Our last meeting in the Enterprise Cup did not go according to plan, but we learned our lessons and have polished up several facets of play. The boys are relishing the battle,” said Buyachi.

He added that discipline inside Kabras’ territory will be crucial if they are to get a positive result. “It will come down to composure and discipline. When we enter their 22, we must strike and come away with points. At the same time, we must avoid being penalised by the referee. We cannot afford to give Kabras kickable penalties.”

The former Kenya Simbas international also described the Oilers’ 25-15 defeat to KCB Rugby a fortnight ago at the refinery as a blessing in disguise ahead of the business end of the season.

“It was a wake-up call for us, but I’m happy it happened when it did. We have learned from it and now head into the final game of the pool phase, improving every facet of our play ahead of the playoffs,” he said.

Oilers are currently joint second with KCB on 45 points, and a victory on Saturday would guarantee them a home semifinal — something Buyachi believes the club has been working towards all season.

“A home semifinal would be good for the team as it avoids the hustle and bustle of travel and keeps the players fresh for the final,” he noted.

Buyachi also revealed that fullback and reliable kicker Timothy Omela, who missed matches against KCB and MMUST Rugby Club, returned to training on Tuesday and will have one more session with the squad before the final team is named on Friday.