On a chilly Thursday evening at the Impala Club, I stood at the edge of the field, the scent of wet grass mixing with the murmurs of anticipation. This was no ordinary practice; it was the calm before the storm—the 2024 Impala Floodlit Tournament was days away. Just a season before, the sting of relegation from the Kenya Cup had left deep scars, and those wounds were still fresh, driving every tackle, every sprint, every breath. But there was a new command at the helm of it all: Louis ‘Fadhee’ Kisia.

Kisia's name wasn’t just whispered on Ngong’ Road; it was celebrated. His success with Strathmore Leos had transformed him into a symbol of Kenya’s modern rugby leadership. Now, he was here, donning the red and white, poised to guide Impala into a new chapter. This wasn’t just a coaching change—it was a battle chant, a promise to the fans and players that Impala’s spirit would not be diminished. And that night, his voice echoed through the training ground: “Play not just for the result, but for the crest on your chest and the name it carries.”

Quarterfinal Clash with Mwamba RFC

From the very first whistle in their quarterfinal clash with Mwamba RFC, there was something different about this Impala team. The stands were full of familiar faces: old fans who had seen the club at its peak and young hopefuls draped in the traditional red and white colors, fueled by memories and a collective hope. Fly-half Matoka Matoka stood out immediately. His masterful performance tore Mwamba's defense apart, showcasing his composure and tactical brilliance. By the time the final whistle blew and the scoreboard read 18-3, it wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. Impala had rekindled their spark.

The Ngong’ Road Semifinals Derby

The semifinal against Nondescripts was different—it was a match steeped in history and rivalry, a battle for pride with the Chums Cup up for grabs. The tension was thick, almost tangible, as a chess match played out under the bright lights. Impala’s defensive line held fast, bending but never breaking under Nondies’ relentless drives. Matoka’s boots sent over penalty after penalty, each one met with a roar that rippled through the crowd. The scoreboard ticked up slowly—9-6. Low-scoring, yes, but those numbers carried the weight of battles fought not just on the field but within the mind of every Impala player.

Floodies Final Showdown

With momentum on their side, Impala faced the Menengai Oilers in the final, hungry for their first Floodies title, and from the first whistle, they pressed hard, pushing Impala into their own half. Quinto Ongo opened the scoring with a penalty, giving the home side an early 3-0 lead. However, the Oilers quickly responded, with Ibrahim Ayoo crossing the try line and Samuel Mwaura following suit, taking the lead to 12-3. By halftime, the Oilers held a commanding 24-3 advantage.

Menengai Oilers during Floodies 2024

As the second half unfolded, the Oilers' forwards drove maul after maul into Impala’s 22, the defensive line held, anchored by the camaraderie among the players. Fathee’s voice echoed commands while Quinto worked tirelessly to inject pace when needed and controlling the rhythm when under siege. Despite their efforts, the final whistle blew with the Oilers celebrating a 42-3 victory. Yet, it was not silence that followed for Impala but applause—applause for the fight they put up and the pride they restored. In the words of a loyal fan: “We may not have won the cup, but under Fathee we reclaimed something more precious—our belief.”

Feature Image Credit: Fanaka Studios