Oilers Fire Warning Shots Ahead of Driftwood 7s Opener

2022 National Sevens Circuit overall winners Menengai Oilers are braced for a fiery start to the 2025 tournament as they unveil a youthful and hungry squad for the opening leg, the Driftwood 7s scheduled for this weekend (July 26–27) at the Mombasa Sports Club.

Coming off an intense pre-season, the Nakuru-based side is leaving nothing to chance in their bid for a strong start in the revamped sevens campaign.

“Our team preparation has been very intentional, focusing on game-specifics for sevens,” said coach Geoffrey Ominde.

“The boys are hungry, sharp, and pushing each other daily.”he added.

Oilers, known for their fast-paced and structured brand of rugby, are banking on a well-balanced mix of experienced heads and promising youngsters to navigate the two-day tournament. Kenya 7s ace Denis Abukuse has been entrusted with the leadership role alongside flyhalf Samuel Mwaura will lead the charge as captain and vice captain respectively as the team looks to set the tone early in the coastal heat.

“Our immediate focus is on the first leg of the national sevens circuit this weekend,” Ominde added. “We want to hit the ground running and set the tone early. Our target is not just to compete but to compete consistently throughout the season.”

With sevens rugby demanding peak physical output across multiple games in a single day, the Oilers have been deliberate in their squad management approach.

“We’re giving younger players a platform while ensuring we manage workload across the squad,” Ominde said, highlighting the strategic rotation policy that could be key over the long haul.

Menengai Oilers Squad – Driftwood 7s

1.Nelson Makokha

2.Fortune Arturo

3.Denis Abukuse (C)

4.Samuel Mwaura (VC)

5.Abutwalib Wesonga

6.Daniel Chirchir

7.Alvin Khavoli

8.Anthony Owino

9.Brian Achacha

10.Beldad Ogeta

11.Glacious Owino

12.Calvin Malewa

12.Clarkson Keegan

Technical Bench
Head Coach: Geoffrey Ominde

Assistant Coach: Lawrence Buyachi

Team Manager: Enos Otieno

Physiotherapist: Anthony Maina

Strength & Conditioning: Colman Were

Media: Ibrahim Otieno

Oilers finished third overall in last year’s circuit and will be hoping to go a step further this time round starting with a solid showing in Mombasa.