Menengai Oilers ready to charge to Kabeberi Sevens glory with Abukuse on full flight

Menengai Oilers star Dennis Abukuse in full flight mode during the Dala Sevens circuit in Kisumu.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Menengai Oilers star Dennis Abukuse is gearing up for the Kabeberi Sevens with renewed determination after an outstanding individual performance at the Dala Sevens in Kisumu.

Despite Oilers falling short in the final against Kabras Sugar RFC, Abukuse emerged as the tournament’s standout player, clinching the top try scorer, top point scorer, and impact player awards.

The Olympian had 10 tries, 12 carries, 11 breaks and three tackles at Dala Sevens, an impressive statistics that Oilers will be hoping continues as the circuit moves to Nairobi.

Menengai Oilers star  Dennis Abukuse posses with his three Dala Sevens awards.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

These accolades, coupled with the Oilers’ first podium finish of the season, have set stage for a thrilling contest at the Kabeberi Sevens this weekend.

Abukuse, fresh from representing Kenya at the Paris Olympics with national team Shujaa, expressed a mix of pride and frustration over the Dala Sevens result.

“I’m really proud of my performance at the Dala Sevens. Scoring tries and making an impact is always my goal, but it’s bittersweet considering we didn’t get the result we wanted against Kabras Sugar RFC,” he said.

Menengai Oilers players celebrate with their silve rmedal awards.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The Oilers’ 26-14 loss in the final underscored the high stakes and intensity of the Sportpesa national Sevens Circuit, a challenge that Abukuse and his teammates are ready to embrace at the Kabeberi Sevens.

As the Kabeberi Sevens approaches, Abukuse’s personal goals remain aligned with the team’s ambitions.

“My personal goal is to continue being a top contributor in terms of tries and points, but more importantly, I want to help my team secure the win,” he said.

Beldad Ogeta (center) of Menengai Oilers in action against Kabras Sugar.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The upcoming tournament at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi presents a critical opportunity for the Oilers to build on their momentum. Abukuse, whose confidence has been bolstered by his recent awards, remains focused on the team’s success.

“Winning those awards definitely boosts my confidence. It shows that the hard work is paying off, and it motivates me to keep pushing myself. However, while individual accolades are great, my focus remains on the team’s success,” Abukuse said.

Reflecting on the Dala Sevens, Abukuse identified consistency and focus as key areas for improvement.

“We performed well, but there were moments in the final where we lost focus. We need to maintain our intensity from start to finish,” he noted.

Menengai Oilers players during a warm up session at Dala Sevens.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The Oilers have been working to fine-tune their strategies in preparation for Kabeberi Sevens, particularly addressing the defensive lapses that Kabras Sugar RFC exploited in the final.

“We’ve increased our training intensity and paid more attention to our defensive structure, knowing that small lapses can cost us dearly in high-stakes games,” Abukuse said.

The Oilers are not only concentrating on defense but also on diversifying their offensive plays to keep their opponents guessing.

"We plan to diversify our attacking options, making it harder for opponents to predict our moves," Abukuse said, hinting at a more dynamic and unpredictable game plan for the Kabeberi Sevens.

Dennis Abukuse of Menengai Oilers.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The importance of securing a victory at Kabeberi Sevens cannot be overstated for Abukuse and the Oilers, as it would not only boost their standings in the National Sevens Circuit but also provide crucial momentum for the rest of the season.

"For the team, it would be a validation of all the hard work we’ve put in. It’s about pride, not just for us as players, but for the entire Menengai Oilers community," Abukuse concluded, underscoring the significance of the upcoming tournament.

“For Kabeberi Sevens, we're focusing on maintaining our discipline, especially in key moments of the game."