Impala RFC coach explains reason behind their sluggish start to the season
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 04.12.25. | 14:00
The Ngong Road-based outfit has endured a nightmare start, falling 87–5 to KCB Rugby in their opening match before suffering an even heavier 97–6 defeat to Menengai Oilers a week later
Impala RFC head coach George Ndemi has lifted the lid on why the side has stumbled through the opening rounds of the 2025/26 Kenya Cup season.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
The Ngong Road-based outfit has endured a nightmare start, falling 87–5 to KCB Rugby in their opening match before suffering an even heavier 97–6 defeat to Menengai Oilers a week later. Their path does not get any easier, with a trip to Kakamega to face defending champions Kabras RFC on Saturday, 6 December at the ASK Showground.
Impala RFC’s problems seem to run much deeper than what fans see on the pitch.
At the start of the season, Impala parted ways with head coach Louis Kisia after his one-year contract expired. His exit was followed weeks later by the departure of assistant coach Jackson ‘Kalonje’ Katunga, leaving the technical bench unsettled at a crucial moment in the club’s preparation cycle.
By the time Ndemi stepped in, he discovered what he describes as the root cause of their early-season struggles.
“When I first took over the team, the first thing I knew was that they did not have a preseason. We are incorporating everything as we move along, but I know that by January, we will be in a better position than we are now and will win a few games,” Ndemi revealed.
Without a preseason, an essential phase in rugby for conditioning, unit systems, cohesion, and tactical clarity, any team is bound to suffer. Pre-season sets the physical foundation for the grueling Kenya Cup calendar, allows coaches to test combinations, and fosters team chemistry. Missing that period often means starting the season at a fitness and structural disadvantage.
So, what exactly derailed Impala’s preparations?
“The former coach was engaged with the national team, and he was not available to do the preseason with the team. But I have measured where my players are, and we are working towards rebuilding,” Ndemi explained.
On top of lacking a structured buildup, Impala also lost several influential players, a blow that worsened their instability.
“Five good-quality players have left. But at the same time, if you don’t train, you don’t play. I do not mind having small players because that is where the game is moving: small, powerful, explosive players. The likes of David Nyangige left,” he continued.
The combination of an incomplete technical transition, minimal preseason, and a thinned-out squad has left the Gazelles exposed against Kenya Cup’s heavyweights.
.jpg)
Despite the bruising start, Ndemi insisted all is not doom and gloom. He believes Impala’s structure and squad depth offer a strong pathway to resurgence.
“Impala has three teams: Nationwide, ESS, and Kenya Cup, so it is just improving every day,” he said.
He is also using the difficult opening weeks as a learning curve for the players.
“After the losses, I told my boys that this is baptism by fire. They should take ownership and put in the much that is needed. It is for them to learn from this, see where the mistakes are, and correct them,” he offered.
He remained confident that by January, the Gazelles will start resembling the competitive side their fans expect.
.jpg)
