Destiriuos Ifedha of Menengai Oilers (R) and Kevin Wekesa of Kabras Sugar on March 1,2025. [Washington Onyango, Standard]
They’ve never beaten them in a Kenya Cup match. They lost to them in the 2022 final. And yet, as the 2025 Kenya Cup showdown draws near, Menengai Oilers are walking into Saturday’s clash with defending champions Kabras Sugar with their heads high and hearts full of belief.
Forget history. For Oilers head coach Gibson Weru, this final isn’t about what’s been—it’s about what could be.
“We’ve never beaten them in a Kenya Cup match, yes. But that doesn’t matter now,” Weru asserted. “Saturday is a new day, and our goal is simple—win.”
Dubbed the Rai Derby due to the shared sponsorship under Rai Group, the final pits Kabras Sugar—supported by West Kenya Sugar Company under Tejveer Rai—against Menengai Oilers, bankrolled by Menengai Oil Refineries Limited under Onkar Rai. But family ties will mean little when the whistle blows at kickoff.
This will be the second final meeting between the two sides after their first in 2022, where Kabras reigned supreme. But Weru insists that loss only fueled their hunger to grow and fight harder.
“That loss was a turning point. We’ve grown in every aspect since then. It’s been a deliberate journey of improvement,” said the coach.
And the transformation has been evident. This season, Oilers have developed a clinical edge, led by try machine Beldad Ogeta, who tops the club’s scoring chart with 10 tries. Elkeans Musonye and Samwel Owamu have also been prolific, with nine tries each, while Timothy Omela has emerged as one of the most influential players in the league—scoring 8 tries, converting 44 tries, and adding 19 penalties.
“Carlos (Omela) and the rest have really come alive this season. From day one, we’ve been working towards this final,” Weru said. “It’s been about building, not just hoping.”
Even with Kabras riding a three-year unbeaten run in the league, Weru is clear: stats don’t win finals—performance does.
“Kabras has set a high standard in Kenyan rugby. They’ve challenged us to be better. But we’re not here to admire them—we’re here to compete,” he declared.
The Oilers will also be leaning on powerful displays from Clinton Odhiambo and Amos Obae—each with five tries—while Abutwalib Wesonga has added 12 conversions to a growing team tally.
With the final just hours away, Weru has called on fans to rally behind the team for what he hopes will be a historic night.
“The energy from our supporters means everything. The players are excited, motivated, and ready. We want to deliver something special,” said Weru.
So while Kabras Sugar enters the final as favourites, Menengai Oilers are refusing to be cowed by history. They’re not chasing ghosts—they’re chasing glory.
Washington Onyango
| Apr 11, 2025