Weru impressed with Abukuse's performance in Menengai win over Strathmore Leos

Menengai Oilers' head coach Gibson Weru has heaped praises on Dennis Abukuse's impressive performance in their Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Kenya Cup week three match played at the Refinery on Saturday.

The Oilers saw off Strathmore Leos 27-10 to end their year on a high.

They were enjoying the services of Kenya 7s playmaker Abukuse who was making a return from injury. The last time the sensational player was in action was during the Christie 7s on August 12-13 when he picked up a head injury.

Speaking after the victory, the tactician observed that Abukuse played a crucial role in strengthening their defense.

"He is a quality player, he’s been out for a while, and you could see that whenever he had the ball, he was taking the team forward and also, he was instrumental in defense,” Weru offered.

The former Kenya 7s International also revealed that the technical bench will be looking to change his position to get the best out of him.

They will also ensure that he steps up with physical exercises as they await a busy year in 2024.

“He can only get better with time. Our team will make sure that he continues to grow in his fitness. We are also planning to play him in a different position next year,” Weru revealed.

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Reflecting on their match against the stubborn Strathmore Leos, Weru was pleased with his forwards department, but he noted that the backline left room for improvement.

“From now on we just want to make sure that we build a combination in the backline so that we can compete. I am happy with our combination in the forwards, but I think our missing link has been the combination in the backs," he offered.

Abukuse has also resumed training with the Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa.

He missed the Africa Men's 7s where Shujaa earned a direct slot to the Olympics after defeating South Africa 17-12 in the final of the Africa Men’s 7s final played on September 17.

He was not in action during the Safari 7s where Shujaa outclassed Samurai Barracudas 19-0 in the final to retain their title.

He was grateful to his support system and urged fans to be on the lookout for his amazing exploits.

"I am happy to have finally received a bill of health from my physio, I am super excited to be back in training with Shujaa and am coping up so far I thank God, my family, my fans, and all those who supported me throughout my injury period," he said.

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Menengai Oilers will begin their year with a Nakuru derby against Nakuru RFC. The Oilers will be looking to extend their fine run.

They kicked off their 2023/24 Kenya Cup campaign with a resounding 43-13 victory over Homeboyz RFC before heaping a 67-0 misery on Mwamba RFC. They ended their year with a 27-10 win over Strathmore Leos.

Nakuru RFC on the other hand have managed 1/3 wins. They suffered a narrow 27-24 loss to Strathmore Leos in their season opener before narrowly defeating Kisumu RFC 25-20.

They shared 19-19 spoils with Kenyatta University's Blak Blad in the last match of the season.