Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson Weru says his side will go all out against the formidable Kabras Sugar RFC as the two rivals clash in the highly anticipated Enterprise Cup final this Saturday at the Nakuru ASK Showground.
Oilers and Kabras are set to renew their fierce rivalry in what has been dubbed the “Rai Derby,” pitting teams sponsored by siblings Onkar Rai and Tejveer Rai, both directors under the Rai Group.
Kabras Sugar are backed by West Kenya Sugar, where Tejveer is the managing director, while Onkar heads Menengai Oil Refineries, sponsors of the Oilers.
Speaking ahead of the showdown, Weru said his charges are raring to go and are not short of motivation after narrowly losing to Kabras 27-26 in the Kenya Cup final a fortnight ago in Kakamega.
“We respect Kabras Sugar but we do not fear them. We are looking forward to playing with power and purpose while maintaining our usual entertaining and fluid rugby style,” said Weru.
“The boys are encouraged by the Kenya Cup final performance. They are proud of themselves for coming so close to beating Kabras.”
With Kabras gunning for a fifth consecutive Enterprise Cup title and having not lost a competitive game since February against KCB, the Oilers know the magnitude of the task ahead.
“Luckily, we have no injury concerns going into the final. We are readying ourselves for a big battle. We respect them but we do not fear them,” Weru emphasized.
This will be the first time Oilers and Kabras Sugar face off in an Enterprise Cup final, adding even more weight to an already monumental clash between two of the country’s top clubs. Kabras are the defending champions and the most dominant force in recent domestic rugby seasons.
Weru admitted the Kenya Cup final was a lesson well learned for both players and technical staff.
“We expect to employ a tactical kicking game, try to turn Kabras Sugar’s backline around, and introduce as many decoys as possible,” he said, noting that improvement in the scrum will be crucial for his side to turn the tide.
He added, “We were well-prepared for the Kenya Cup final, but our fielding and kicking were not on point. We’ve worked on those areas ahead of the Enterprise Cup final. The boys made a few costly errors, but we’ve addressed them. It’s all systems go.”
The Oilers have already enjoyed a strong season, claiming three trophies — the Impala Floodlit, ESS, and most recently, the Great Rift 10s.
“We have won three trophies already this year. However, we still want to keep improving and make excellence a habit,” said Weru.
Meanwhile, Kabras Sugar head coach Carlos Katywa insisted the job is far from over, with the Enterprise Cup still firmly in their sights.
“For the last four years, every game for Kabras Sugar Rugby is treated like a final. That approach has enabled us to win the Kenya Cup four seasons in a row,” said Katywa.
The South African tactician is unfazed by the Oilers’ pace and prowess and said his squad will maintain the same level of intensity that has brought them success.
“We are not under any pressure. We believe we are the only ones who can put ourselves under pressure. All systems deserve attention to detail,” said Katywa, adding that he has no specific area of concern ahead of the clash.
Like the Oilers, Kabras also have no injury worries. Reflecting on their narrow Kenya Cup final win, Katywa acknowledged the bench lacked the necessary urgency when introduced into the game.
“The hunger from the bench players did not match the intensity we needed. But that’s water under the bridge. The focus is now fully on the Enterprise Cup,” he said.
Katywa also called on Kabras fans to turn up in large numbers to support the team in Nakuru. The Enterprise Cup, first contested in 1930, remains Kenya’s oldest rugby competition, and organizers have assured that all arrangements are in place for a successful final.
The Rai brothers, Tejveer and Onkar, reiterated that beyond the rivalry, their vision is to nurture rugby talent and provide long-term opportunities for players.
“Kabras Sugar RFC has risen through the ranks to become a rugby powerhouse in Kenya because of the strong structures we’ve put in place. There’s so much talent in the villages, and I’m glad we’re tapping into it,” said Tejveer.
“We also ensure that these boys are learning and, where possible, we absorb them into our companies so that after rugby, they continue with stable employment.”
Onkar, on his part, praised the Oilers for achieving their seasonal goals.
“Oilers have met the targets they set for this season. I’m proud of them. The players are hungry and they want to win the Enterprise Cup,” said Onkar.
The Rai Derby promises to be an epic clash of ambition, family pride, and top-tier Kenyan rugby excellence.
