The draw for the 2024 Impala Floodlit Tournament took place on Tuesday at the Impala grounds in Nairobi. The tournament will kick off on Saturday, October 19, at both the Impala Club and RFUEA Grounds, with the semi-finals scheduled for October 26 and the finals on November 2. This year’s edition will also serve as a curtain-raiser for the upcoming Kenya Cup season in November.
Tournament director Brian Njera emphasized that the event would provide a platform for emerging talents. “The tournament will enable players to showcase their talent. Most clubs use it to test out their new players before the Kenya Cup season begins,” Njera stated. He added that the competition would contribute to the overall growth of rugby in Kenya by giving teams the opportunity to test their systems and structures while offering young players a chance to shine.
Wendy Muganda, manager of Northern Suburbs’ ladies’ team, expressed optimism about the tournament’s role in promoting women’s rugby in Kenya. “It’s a great platform for women’s rugby, allowing players to showcase their talent, especially with the current global push for women in sports,” she said.
Kabete Stallions player Brian Ondieki shared his team’s excitement ahead of their first appearance in the tournament. “This is our first time participating, and we have big aspirations. We’ve been preparing since the end of the season, so we’re expecting a lot from ourselves,” Ondieki remarked.
In the women’s semi-finals, Kenya Cup champions Mwamba RFC will face NYS Ladies, while hosts Impala Ladies will take on Northern Suburbs. In the Varsity category, JKUAT Cougars are set to play Daystar Falcons, while returnees Zetech Oaks will go up against Kabete Stallions. Rift Varsities will face USIU Martial, and Impala Boks are slated to battle KCA University.
