.jpg)
Former Strathmore Leos coach Louis Kisia joins Impala in sweeping changes
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 04.09.24. | 13:03
The former Strathmore Leos tactician will now take charge of the side after leaving the varsity side earlier in March
The second most successful Kenya Cup side Impala RFC are eager to kick off their 2024/25 15s season, bolstered by the addition of Kenya Sevens assistant coach Louis Kisia to their coaching staff.
The former Strathmore Leos tactician will now take charge of the side after leaving the varsity side earlier in March.
Kisia's vast experience and tactical expertise are expected to inject new energy and strategy into Impala’s camp.
“Impala time,” Kisia posted on his X (formerly Twitter)account.
Kisia who has already taken charge of training will face his first test at the pre-season Floodlit Tournament. With enough pre-season, he expects the team to be in good shape.
He will work with the current squad until the mid-season transfer window in December.
Jackson Katunga will assist Kisia while Gilbert Otieno was named the team manager.
Caleb Muturi is the strength and conditioning coach while Washington Okello will be the Impala II coach, assisted by Chris Majale.
Mary Ochieng will coach the women's side, also known as the Roans.
Anthony Nyandigisi will be Kisia's assistant in the Sevens team.
The Ngong Road-based club was promoted to the Kenya Cup after the completion of the 2023/24 Championship season following two seasons in the cold. They were relegated from the top tier for the first time after the 2021/2022 season.
The Gazelles turned the tables on Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby, winning at the death 12-11 to silence the partisan crowd at the Kakamega Showground.
It was sweet revenge for Impala after they had lost to Masinde Muliro 27-7 in the regular Championship season back in March.
Despite finishing fourth on the log after losing in four outings during the regular season - Masinde Muliro (27-7), Daystar Falcons (29-13), South Coast Pirates (26-18) and University of Eldoret (28-0), Impala did not give up on their promotion battle.
They would then stop Western Bulls 32-17 in the playoffs before silencing Masinde Muliro in their backyard as their paltry travelling fans and players celebrated amidst tears of joy.
Among the players who stood out for the Red Shirts were skipper Tyson Okoth, Joshua Matasi, and Billy Arigi, in the forwards and Quinto Ongo, Patrick Mutuku, and Churchill Obat in the backs among others.
Impala last won the Kenya Cup in 2009 and will be attempting to achieve that under coach Kisia’s reign.
