Menengai Oilers backrower Abdon Jadah has opened up on the challenges of leading the Nakuru-based club. Jadah described the captaincy role as both a privilege and a responsibility as the team prepares for the 2026/27 Kenya Cup season.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsJadah has been entrusted with the captain's armband ahead of the new campaign and has already led the defending Impala Floodlit champions in their quarterfinal and plate semifinal encounters.##NAJAVA_MECA_10062779##Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Jadah explained that his responsibilities extend beyond his individual performances, with the need to inspire his teammates, improve the team's results and maintain unity within the squad presenting the biggest challenge.“Being a captain is both a privilege and a responsibility because it is my duty to not only push myself, but also push the whole team to get better and register good results. Off the pitch, it is my duty to ensure the brotherhood remains intact. Pushing the team forward is the main challenge of being the captain,” Jadah said.The backrower has taken on the leadership role at a crucial time for the Oilers, who will be seeking to build on their performances from last season and challenge for the Kenya Cup title.Brian Wahinya opens up on mental strength after Kenya Cup final disappointmentThe Nakuru-based side reached the Kenya Cup quarterfinals last season but saw their semifinal ambitions ended by Nondies RFC. The setback left the team short of its targets, prompting a restructuring ahead of the new campaign.Jadah believes the changes made during the off-season have positioned the Oilers to mount a stronger challenge, with the ultimate ambition of being crowned Kenya Cup champions.“Last season we started well, but unfortunately, we did not end the season as we targeted. Coming to this season, we have restructured and put so many things together to come and do better and be crowned the champions,” he added.Chrissant Ojwang opens up on mental toll of injuries in rugbyDespite the expectations that come with leading the team, Jadah remains confident that the squad can manage the pressure and deliver the desired results.“Of course there is pressure, which comes with working with the team. And that is something we can contain and do,” he said.The Oilers have also been working on their technical preparations, with Jadah revealing that improvements to their set-pieces have been a key focus as they seek to enter the Kenya Cup campaign in strong form.“We are very ready for the season. A lot of work has been done behind the scenes, and we have polished our set-pieces. We are good to go,” he stated.The team offered a glimpse of its attacking potential in the Impala Floodlit Tournament, where they bounced back from a quarterfinal defeat to KCB Rugby with a commanding 76-10 victory over Strathmore Leos in the plate semifinal on Saturday, 24 October.The Oilers had lost 31-24 to KCB in the quarterfinals before regrouping to produce an emphatic performance against the university side.Specmagic reveals what makes Kenyan rugby uniqueJadah was pleased with the team's response, praising his teammates for their commitment and execution in the plate semifinal.“I am so happy with the way the boys turned up and put their best foot forward on Saturday. The game was amazing; we ticked a lot of boxes, and that was great,” he said.Oilers will open their Kenya Cup campaign with a fixture against Daystar Falcons on Saturday, 21 November at Daystar University in Athi River.
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