Fresh from guiding Menengai Oilers to a runners-up finish at the Dala 7s, Geoffrey Ominde has opened up about the challenge of balancing his club responsibilities with his role as Kenya Lionesses assistant coach.The coach described the dual assignment as demanding but one he is gradually learning to manage.
Ominde, who serves as the Menengai Oilers’ backs coach during the National Sevens Circuit, was recently appointed assistant coach of the Kenya Lionesses, filling a position that had remained vacant following changes within the national setup. He stepped into the role after Simon Odongo was promoted to head coach, replacing Dennis Mwanja, with Ominde deputising for Odongo as the Lionesses continue their rebuilding ahead of a busy international calendar. His appointment came on the back of impressive work with Menengai Oilers, where he has played a key role in developing a sharp and fluid backline. Harambee Stars midfielder completes move to English side. Before venturing into coaching, Ominde enjoyed a successful playing career with Menengai Oilers, Nakuru RFC and the Kenya Simbas, earning a reputation as a composed halfback, dependable kicker and astute game manager.
Speaking about his coaching journey, Ominde said every role has helped shape him into a better coach.“Coaching has been a journey of growth for me, and I approach every day as a new challenge. Whether it’s with Menengai Oilers or the Kenya Lionesses, each role comes with its own unique demands, and you have to find ways to navigate them,” Ominde told Mozzart Sport.
With commitments to both the national team and one of the country’s top clubs, Ominde admits striking the right balance has not been easy but believes he is settling into the demands.“Balancing both coaching roles is definitely challenging, but I’m gradually getting used to it and learning how to manage the demands of each,” he continued.His first assignment with the Lionesses ended on a high despite Kenya narrowly missing out on the continental title. The Lionesses finished second at the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division in Nairobi after falling 35-20 to defending champions South Africa in the tournament decider.
Ominde believes the togetherness within the squad played a significant role in their successful campaign.“Positive energy feeds off positive energy. From the players to the coaching staff and the support team, the atmosphere in the Lionesses camp was outstanding throughout the tournament. That unity and positivity carried us all the way,” he said.
Back at club level, Ominde has overseen an impressive turnaround in fortunes for Menengai Oilers on the National Sevens Circuit.The Nakuru-based side endured a disappointing start to the campaign at the Prinsloo 7s, where they failed to qualify for the Main Cup quarter-finals before dropping into the Challenge Trophy. However, they responded emphatically at the Dala 7s, producing a string of impressive performances to reach the final before losing 17-5 to Kabras RFC. According to Ominde, the resurgence was built on an honest assessment of their shortcomings after the opening leg.“We sat down and conducted a thorough review of our Prinsloo 7s campaign. Overall, we felt our performances lacked consistency, and that’s one of the key areas we needed to improve,” he said.
Read Also: Harambee Stars midfielder completes move to English side
Gor Mahia coach draws positives from team’s CECAFA Kagame Cup campaignThe strong showing in Kisumu has handed Oilers renewed confidence heading into the Kabeberi 7s, where they have been drawn in Pool C alongside Zetech Oaks, Blak Blad and Mombasa RFC. For Ominde, coaching was never part of the original plan during his playing days. However, encouragement from teammates eventually inspired him to pursue a career on the touchline.“Back when I was still playing, one of my teammates used to joke that I would end up becoming a coach. At the time, I didn’t have a clear plan for transitioning into coaching, but along the way I discovered it was something I was truly passionate about. Today, I genuinely love what I do,” he concluded.
As a player, Ominde enjoyed a distinguished career with Menengai Oilers, Nakuru RFC and the Kenya Simbas. One of his most memorable moments came during the 2021/22 Kenya Cup season when he slotted eight penalties in a single match to help end KCB Rugby’s dominance.Five battles that could define AFC Leopards’ friendly with Kakamega Homeboyz on Wednesday