Discipline, Turnover, and Lineouts: Zetech Oaks Areas for Improvement After MMUST Loss

Match Day 11 in Kiambu County was a subtle yet fierce battle for dominance as the Zetech Oaks fought to topple the formidable visiting team and current championship leaders, MMUST (Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology) RFC. Despite a rather underwhelming turnout from fans, the game was an intense affair that showcased skill, resilience, and tactical brilliance from both sides. Will the Oaks survive best MMUST this time?

Mang’u Grounds (Home of the Zetech Oaks) provided the perfect stage for a showcase of peak athleticism—something I was fortunate enough to witness firsthand. The sun bore down mercilessly, and the pitch, a mix of green, yellow, and brown splotches, showed clear signs of heavy use. The atmosphere was surprisingly subdued at first, giving the impression of a friendly match rather than a crucial championship showdown. However, the calm quickly gave way to intensity as the match unfolded.

The whistle blew, setting the stage for a clash between these two great teams. Zetech kicked off to MMUST, who are well known for their structured play and disciplined approach. The visitors took the lead, kicking a penalty straight through the posts.

However, the Oaks refused to back down, responding with their own three-pointer to tie the game. They however, had come up against a strong side, especially defensively. Oaks' offensive efforts were largely ineffective, managing just three penetrations into MMUST's 22, all of which were unsuccessful. The visitor’ strong defensive organization and high-pressure tactics prevented Oaks from gaining any momentum.

Strong Oaks in the Scrums

Oaks showed their strengths in scrummages, boasting an impressive 90% win rate. Their forward pack was dominant, providing stability and allowing them to control possession in key moments. It was unfortunate for the home team, as despite having possession, they missed two scoring opportunities due to the wind's adverse effects on their kicker, which could have changed the game

On the lineouts, they performed better in the middle but struggled in the front, winning only one out of three attempts. Overall, they secured just two of their five awarded lineouts—an area that clearly needs improvement if they hope to compete at the highest level.

MMUST’s tactical approach was evident in their structured kicking game. Rather than engaging in prolonged phases, they opted to kick deep and put pressure on Zetech’s backline. Their fullback played a crucial role in this strategy, positioning himself well to anticipate Zetech’s kicks and launching counter-attacks with precision. Their ability to recycle possession quickly allowed them to dictate the pace, forcing Zetech onto the back foot. Defensively, MMUST was well-organized, using a drift defense system to push the Oaks toward the touchline, limiting their attacking options.

Adding to the tension, MMUST’s small but vocal fan base, attempted to rattle the Oaks’ winger with taunts. It seemed to work initially, but he soon tuned out the noise. By halftime, MMUST held the lead. The Oaks, however, showed no signs of defeat, while MMUST, though confident, remained cautious.

The second half kicked off with MMUST sending the ball to the Oaks, who wasted no time in punishing the Kakamega varsity side. They stormed forward, breaking into MMUST’s territory and eventually scoring a try, followed by a successful conversion. Buoyed by this success, they sought to replicate the effort, but MMUST quickly responded with a try of their own, extending their lead. Undeterred, the Oaks struck back once more, converting successfully.

Zetech’s Impact Players

The introduction of fresh substitutes injected new energy into the attack. One standout player was Kennedy Wanyoike, who seamlessly filled both the scrum-half and center positions. His crisp passing and quick decision-making helped speed up Zetech’s play, allowing them to exploit gaps in MMUST’s defensive line. The Oaks pushed hard for an equalizer, earning penalty opportunities that fly-half Johnson Wafula attempted but unfortunately couldn’t convert. A particularly sensational addition was Brayan Ondego at fullback. His tactical kicking gave the Oaks better field position, while his defensive positioning ensured MMUST had limited attacking opportunities from deep. He also managed to score a try, reigniting his team’s hopes.

The true standout, however, was Clement Ashilla, wearing the No. 23 jersey. His phenomenal work rate as a winger earned him one of the Oaks’ two tries, making him a key player of the match. His ability to accelerate into space and evade defenders made him a constant threat on the outside channels. His performance was a testament to his technical skill and game awareness, as he frequently found himself in the right positions at crucial moments.

Lack of Composure and Lineout Struggles

Zetech’s overall tackle rate was commendable, with an 80% success rate, though most were negative—a key area for improvement. While their ball-handling was nearly flawless, their lack of composure under pressure in crucial moments prevented them from capitalizing on MMUST’s defensive lapses. Their scrummaging remained a clear strength, securing a dominant 90% success rate, which kept them in the game. However, their failure to convert scoring chances and their struggles in the lineout proved costly. They conceded more penalties than they forced turnovers, an issue that can be addressed through better discipline and spatial awareness.

Despite their valiant effort, the Oaks fell just short, losing 20-23 in an incredibly tight game. They solidified their No. 4 position, securing a playoff spot where they’ll face the JKUAT Cougars next. MMUST, meanwhile, comfortably claimed four points, while Zetech Oaks earned a two-point losing bonus. The result leaves Zetech with plenty to reflect on, particularly in their execution of set pieces and decision-making in high-pressure situations. With continued improvement—especially in their lineouts and tactical adaptability—the Zetech Oaks could very well earn a spot in the Kenya Cup next season. That’s my take on it.

Feature Image Credit: Zetech Oaks