Impala RFC set ambitious target despite shaky Kenya Cup start

Former Kenya Cup champions Impala RFC have set their sights on the playoffs despite a patchy start to the 2025/26 campaign.

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Their confidence stems from a hard-fought 23–20 victory over Strathmore Leos on Saturday, 31 January at the Impala Club.

The win, only Impala’s second of the season, came in a tightly contested Kenya Cup clash and marked a significant lift for the Gazelles, who had entered the fixture eighth on the 12-team log with seven points after managing just one victory against Daystar Falcons.

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Saturday’s result represented a notable turnaround at home for Impala, who had endured a bruising 97–6 defeat to Menengai Oilers at the same venue in November 2025.

It was only their second home outing of the season, and the response in front of their supporters was emphatic.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the match, the team’s forwards coach, Onsongo Nyamwaya, praised the players’ resolve, particularly after the break.

“It was our second home game, and it’s always special to get a win in front of our fans. The boys really wanted it, and they delivered, especially in the second half. They showed character and did the supporters proud,” he said.

Nyamwaya acknowledged that the contest ebbed and flowed, noting that it met the physical demands of an 80-minute encounter.

“Rugby is an 80-minute game, and a lot can happen. Sometimes teams put in a huge shift in the first half, and fatigue sets in later. Our opponents also stepped up in the second half and played some beautiful rugby,” he added.

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While pleased with the result, Nyamwaya remained candid that some areas needed sharpening.

“We got into our green zone but didn’t come away with the points we wanted. We only took six points instead of 10 or 14, which is an area we can improve on.

The positive is that we still came away with points. They camped on our try line for several minutes, but we held firm, and they didn’t score,” he explained.

He went on to explain why his charges struggled in the opening matches of the season.

“Our first three matches were against the top three sides, so we knew they would be tough. On top of that, we travelled on two consecutive weekends, something not many teams had to do, and that naturally took a toll,” he said.

Now sitting eighth with 11 points from two wins in seven matches, Impala are convinced their season is only just beginning.

“From here on, this is the real Impala. We are targeting the playoffs, and if we play our cards right, it’s something we can achieve,” Nyamwaya declared.

That confidence, he insists, is built on the work being put in off the pitch.

“It all comes down to training. The boys are showing up, the sessions have been excellent, and the effort has been there every single day,” he offered.

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Up next, the Gazelles will travel to Nakuru to face Nakuru RFC on Saturday, 21 February.