Impala Saracens back in action as Impala Floodlights quarterfinal pairings are released

The quarterfinals of the much-anticipated fourth edition of the Impala Floodlights have been announced ahead of the competition scheduled for October 14–28 at the Impala Club. Eight sides are set to compete as the battle for supremacy goes down the wire.

Defending Champions KCB Rugby will kickstart their title defence against the Kenya Harlequins. The Quins, who are coached by former Kenya 7s tactician Paul Murunga, will be looking to pick up where they left off in the 2022–23 15s season. The side defied all the odds to rise from relegation to the playoffs.

They started their 15s season on a low, losing all three opening matches before bouncing back to win all eight of their remaining matches to qualify for the semi-final stage. They would, however, lose 22-8 to Kabras RFC after a spirited performance at the semifinal stage. They will be keen to register impressive results in the upcoming 15s season. Murunga's charges will also be aiming at maximizing the home advantage to emerge champions.

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, with former Kenya Simbas international Davis Chenge honoured with the Most Valuable Player award.

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The second quarterfinal will be an all-varsity affair featuring Kenyatta University's Blak Blad and Strathmore Leos. The Thika-based side will be looking to improve on their performance last year, where they finished fourth following a 23-12 loss to the Menengai Oilers in the third-place playoff. The Leos, on the other hand, will be banking on the experience of some of their players to propel them to victory. They are coached by Kenya 7s assistant coach Louis Khisia and have international players like Nygel Amaitsa and George Ooro.

Last year's finalists, Nondies RFC, have a date against varsity side Catholic Monks in the third quarterfinal. The Whiteshirts have had a successful 7s season and will be looking to replicate the performance in the longer version of the game.

The last quarterfinal sees Homeboyz RFC tackle hosts Impala RFC.

The Impala Floodlights give teams a chance to fine-tune their skills ahead of the upcoming 2023–24 Kenya Cup season, which will kick off on November 25.

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)

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