Oilers Samuel Mwaura in action against KCB during a past match/HANDOUTMenengai Oilers coach Geoffrey Ominde has identified kick-off reception and discipline as key areas as his side seeks to go one place better at this weekend’s Kabeberi Sevens.
The Nakuru-based outfit finished runners-up at the Dala Sevens after losing 17-5 to Kabras in the final, with Ominde saying they have used the past fortnight to address the shortcomings that cost them the title in Kisumu.
“Following the final, we reviewed our performance and identified our kick-off reception as a problem. We have worked on it to ensure we can maintain possession,” said Ominde.
The tactician also stressed the need for his players to stay on the right side of the referee, warning that playing with six men proved costly against Kabras.
“The game was evenly balanced until Calvin Mulewa was sent to the sin bin in the second half, and that was the turning point. Individually and collectively, we must be better to ensure we are on the right side of the referee,” he added.
Oilers have been drawn in Pool C alongside Zetech Oaks, Blak Blad and Mombasa RFC, with Ominde setting qualification for the main Cup quarter-finals as their opening-day target.
“It’s one match at a time. We have momentum from the past tournament, but we are not underestimating any team in our pool. We will go all out to win our matches,” he said.
Oilers sit fourth on the National Sevens Circuit standings with 26 points, but Ominde believes they remain firmly in contention for the overall title despite a slow start.
“We are not far from the top three and, if we continue our trajectory, we will compete for the overall crown. With four tournaments to go, it is wide open,” he said.
Ominde also called for greater consistency from match officials following criticism from several coaches over officiating in the last two tournaments.
“The standard of officiating has been poor. It’s like we have different laws every weekend. I have written my complaints to the referees, and we hope this weekend it will be good,” he said.
