Buyachi enjoying life at Menengai Oilers, target Kenya Cup glory

Former Kisumu RFC tactician Lawi Buyachi is clearly enjoying his time with 2022 Kenya Cup finalists Menengai Oilers.

Buyachi left Kisumu RFC for the Oilers last month citing personal issues and linked up with Gibson Weru on the 2022 Kenya Cup runners-up technical bench

The former Kabras RFC backrower took over the lakeside men in August 2022 after they barely survived relegation from the championship to the nationwide league.

This was after they were demoted from the Kenya Cup side at the close of the Covid-disrupted 2019/20 season.

Barely a year in office, the former Kenyan International propelled Kisumu to the top tier seeing off Daystar University to mark a return to the big stage after a two-year hiatus.

Against all odds: The grass-to-grace story of Rayvon Ambale

The lakeside-based team made a blistering improvement from their last season’s performance, finishing in 10th position with 33 points from an eighteenth-place

Last season, they performed badly, to end the season at 18th position with only four points.

Kisumu failed to honor the Kabeberi 7s tournament due to logistical challenges, in addition to their 15s preseason. However, that did not pin them down as they managed two quarterfinals in the Mombasa and Tisap 7s tournaments.

Speaking on his stay with the Oilers, the former South Coast Pirates gaffer pointed out that he is loving every moment with the Nakuru-based club.

"So far so good, I mean the club has an amazing structure/organization and professionalism with a conducive working environment but I still keep in touch with the boys in Kisumu RFC. I either played or worked with all the coaching staff here before and they value my contribution to the team, the boys trust me and we are slowly getting to know each other," He told Mozzart Sport.

Allan Kasiti joins Western Bulls after severing ties with Sigalagala RFC

Buyachi further pointed out that his experience with Kisumu laid a strong foundation, but the Oilers' vibrant atmosphere is putting his skills to the test.

"Definitely, coaching improves with time and experience. There are some valuable lessons I've gathered and already the head coach has given me some roles that I feel will impact the team positively," he averred.

As the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season draws nearer, the former Kenyan International finds himself bracing for an uphill task like no other. Leading the Oilers against formidable opponents is no mean feat.

Despite that, he remained undeterred, noting that their efforts would pay off. He envisions a future where the Oilers will win the Kenya Cup title.

"I keep working hard and contributing as much as I can so that we achieve the team goals. Winning the Kenya Cup will be a great achievement for us," he concluded.

During his heydays, Buyachi played for Uganda's Pirates, Impala RFC, Nakuru RFC, and Kabras RFC.

The World Rugby Level II accredited coach also had stints with South Coast Pirates, Kabarak RFC, Kabras RFC, and Eldoret RFC as a guest coach.

Kenyan wingers Auma and Shikoli flying high in South Africa

Buyachi was also a key member of the Kenya Simbas squad and scooped the 2016 Sports of the Year Award.

He left Top Fry Nakuru in 2017 to take up a coaching role at South Coast Pirates but returned to playing in 2019 when he joined Kabras RFC. He won the Charity Cup with the Sugar Men following a 29-10 over Kenya Harlequin.

Buyachi retired from playing in 2022 to be a full-time coach.