Impala coach Kisia predicts good tidings at Impala Floodlit tourney

Kisia, who took over the reins at Impala slightly over a month ago, says the boys have been putting in the hard yards in training in readiness for the start of the rugby 15s season.

“Preparations have been going on well since the first time I stepped into the club that was on 2nd September 2024; boys have been training well.

“We have had good competition from both sides – first team and second team – and we even have an academy team, so it's just a matter of time before we name the two teams that will be playing in Floodies; we will have one team playing in the varsity category and the other one in the club’s category.”

Kisia will be in the dock for his first official match as the head coach and he will have the daunting task of dethroning his former side Mwamba RFC in their opening quarter final clash.

The Shujaa tactician says he won’t underestimate his former employers.

“Pitched against my former club Mwamba, I won’t take anything lightly, we will give it a good go because on my end I’m also trying to get the combinations right and see the team that will turn out for us when the new season starts in November.

“So, it’s a good precursor and a good time to have the Floodies tournament acting as a pre-season game for us. We hope we go all the way; it would be good to be in the final and even to clinch it; it would mean a lot for the boys; it would be a good morale booster and we see how the season pans out,” he added.

Top teams in the Kenya Cup will be in action this weekend as they use Impala Floodlit tournament to gauge their preparedness before the commencement of the Kenya Cup season later next month

“I think the best test will be on Saturday against Mwamba and then after that we will go back to the drawing board to try and do an analysis on the videos that we will be having and see where we stand.

“So, until then when we play, it's when we will know where we are in regards to preps for the league. But looking at the training seasons we’ve already had, the gym sessions and the strength and conditioning sessions, I think the boys are ready.”

Reigning champions KCB Rugby will renew their rivalry with Blak Blad from Thika Road in one of the exciting quarterfinal clashes.

Nondescripts will face Strathmore Leos, while Menengai Oilers battle Catholic Monks.

The semi-finals are scheduled for October 26, with the tournament concluding on November 2.