T. NashipaeImpala Floodlit Tournament set for thrilling comeback
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 30.09.23. | 08:30
The 40th edition of Impala Floodlit Tournament is set to make a grand comeback next month, October at the traditional Impala Club
The much-anticipated Floodies will kick off on Saturday, October 14, starting with the quarterfinal stage before the battle heads to the semifinal stage on October 21. The competition will culminate on October 23 when the grand finale will be staged.
Defending champions KCB Rugby secured their title in the 2022 Impala Floodlights edition after seeing off Nondies RFC 20-3 in a pulsating final staged at the Impala Grounds. The victory marked the Bankers' ninth Floodies title and fourth in a row. Former Kenya Simbas international Davis Chenge was honoured with the Most Valuable Player award.
The event has traditionally been played as the curtain-raiser for the rugby 15s season. With the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season within sight, it will give teams a platform to gauge their preparedness for the upcoming season.
Clubs like Kenya Harlequins who are Impala RFC neighbors, Blak Blad, Menengai Oilers, Nondies and Nakuru RFC have in the past constantly competed in the tournament. It is played under the floodlights at night, making it even more popular and competitive.
Former National 7s Circuit defending champions Menengai Oilers came in third in the 2022 edition after defeating Blak Blad 23-12 in the third-place playoff. Nakuru Universities combined claimed fourth place after edging United States International University 45-22 in the closely contested fifth-place playoff.
There were two editions of the tournament in 2011. Strathmore Leos won the 29th edition of the tournament in March 2011 with Mean Machine winning the 30th edition of the tournament in October 2011.
Impala Floodlights Most Successful Teams
Mean Machine 9 titles (1984, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2004, 2006, 2011)
KCB Rugby 9 titles (2005, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022)
Impala RFC 7 titles (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2016)
Barclays 4 titles (1985, 1987, 1989, 1992)
Mwamba RFC 3 titles (1986, 1988, 2008)
Nondescripts (1983, 2002, 2012)
Strathmore Leos (2011)
