Former Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby captain Veron Kaburu is settling into life at Menengai Oilers after bringing an end to a memorable stint with the university side. The talented halfback is embracing the challenge of club rugby as he looks to continue his development.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsKaburu completed a move to Oilers during the recently concluded transfer window ahead of the 2026-2027 Kenya Cup season and has already made an immediate impact, helping the Nakuru-based side reach the final of the Dala 7s. Oilers finished runners-up after falling 17-5 to Kabras RFC in the title decider.The scrum half now turns his attention to the Kabeberi 7s, scheduled for Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 16 August at the RFUEA Grounds. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9883764##Oilers have been drawn in Pool C alongside: Zetech Oaks, Kenya Academy Blak Blad and Mombasa RFC.Having spent several years at MMUST, Kaburu admits the transition has been smooth, although he is still finding his feet in a new environment.“Life at Oilers has been good so far. I’m still adapting, taking it one day at a time and doing my best to fit into the team,” he said.The long-serving MMUST captain and former vice-captain left the Kakamega-based side after a journey filled with both triumphs and setbacks.He captained the university in both the Kenya Cup and KRU Championship and was rewarded for his performances by being named the club’s Sevens Player of the Year in 2023.KCB, Kabras to renew bitter rivalry after landing tough Kabeberi 7s poolKaburu also experienced the emotional rollercoaster of MMUST’s fluctuating fortunes. The side was relegated from the Kenya Cup at the end of the 2023-2024 season, earned promotion back to the top flight after the 2024-2025 campaign, but suffered another relegation just one season later.Despite moving on, the former skipper says his bond with MMUST remains as strong as ever.For instance, during the Prinsloo 7s, MMUST reached the knockout stages while Oilers were eliminated at the pool stage. “I spent a long time at MMUST, so I always wanted Oilers to win, but if not Oilers, then MMUST. I’m proud of what the boys are doing because they’re playing good rugby, and everyone can see the progress they’ve made.I want MMUST to keep flying the flag high, whether I’m there or not. Seeing the team perform well always makes me happy,” he said.Lameck Ambetsa targets Shujaa comeback as he embraces fresh start at NondiesKaburu revealed that Oilers’ interest in securing his signature played a major role in convincing him to make the switch.“I love the club, and they showed genuine interest in signing me. It’s always a great feeling when you want to join a team, and they want you just as much,” he offered.While acknowledging that the demands of club rugby are higher than what he experienced in the university setup, the versatile back believes he is ready for the step up.“Club rugby comes with more pressure because the expectations are much higher than in university rugby. But at the end of the day, it’s still rugby, and I’m embracing the challenge,” he said.Mwamba RFC captain shares secret to longevity after decade in rugbyNow focused on establishing himself in Nakuru, Kaburu has set his sights on continuous improvement while remaining open to bigger opportunities in the future.“My goal is to keep playing good rugby, take things one day at a time and become the best version of myself both on and off the pitch. I want to keep improving and elevate my game, and if a bigger opportunity comes along, I’ll be ready to take it,” he said.Kaburu will be hoping to help Oilers go one better at the Kabeberi 7s after their impressive run to the Dala 7s final.
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