Menengai Oilers, Nondies brace for electric Impala Floodlights final

A thrilling night of rugby awaits as defending champions Menengai Oilers and rejuvenated giants Nondescripts RFC (Nondies) go head-to-head in the 2025 Impala Floodlights final slated for Saturday, 8 November at Impala Club.

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The grand finale, set to kick off at 1900 hours, will roll down the curtains of what has been an enthralling pre-season tournament.

This showdown brings together two teams on opposite ends of history: Oilers, the rising force of modern rugby, and Nondies, the country’s oldest club and the competition’s inaugural champions back in 1983.

Nondies out to reclaim lost glory

For Nondies, this final represents more than a shot at a title. They are now back in the conversation for major honors after a stellar campaign.

The Red Lions have been methodical, gritty, and clinical throughout the tournament, grinding out a 27–23 victory over Strathmore Leos in the quarterfinals before stunning the hosts, Impala RFC, 25–19 in the semifinals.

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Head coach Moses Wanyaga has built a side that blends old-school forward dominance with fluid backline play.

Their improved set pieces, particularly the scrum and lineout, have been a cornerstone of their recent form.

Captain Steve Odhiambo, who will anchor the back row at number eight, will look to lead by example alongside flankers Charles Omondi and Brian Marube.

The engine room of Ryan Odua and Adrian Wallace adds muscle and line-out precision, while the front trio of Elisha Koronya, Zackary Maroa, and Ambrose Ouko promises stability at the set-piece.

In the backs, scrum-half Alex Devereux and fly-half Bruce Odhiambo form a dynamic halfback partnership, supported by the midfield pairing of Billy Omondi and Charles Odhiambo, who bring both physicality and creativity.

Out wide, Lameck Ambetsa and John Mark Awiti will look to punish any defensive lapses, while Ronnie Omondi adds counter-attacking flair from fullback.

With a deep bench featuring the likes of Oliver Tambo, Bonnie Amimo and Godfrey Oyare, Nondies have the firepower to sustain intensity for the full 80 minutes.

Oilers chasing back-to-back titles

Across the pitch, Menengai Oilers will arrive brimming with confidence and focus as they look to defend the crown they won last year, when they defeated Impala RFC to clinch their first-ever Floodlights title.

Their journey to the final has been a display of maturity and resilience.

The Nakuru-based side edged record champions KCB Rugby 16–13 in a bruising quarterfinal before powering past KU Blak Blad 42–21 in a free-flowing semifinal performance last weekend.

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Head coach Gibson Weru has turned the Oilers into one of the most consistent and exciting teams in the country, a blend of youthful energy and tactical discipline.

Their forward pack, anchored by Victor Were, Fortune Aturo and Vincent Mwikali, has been relentless in the scrums, providing the platform for their dangerous backs to flourish.

Captain Ibrahim Ayoo continues to lead by example in the second row, pairing up with Charles Osood, while the back row of Samuel Were, vice-captain Amos Obae and Elkeans Musonye has proven vital in both attack and defense.

At the heart of their structure, Samson Onsomu and Samuel Mwaura orchestrate play from the halves, with Samuel Ovwamu and Chrispine Shitundo commanding the midfield.

Speedsters Beldad Ogeta and Timothy Omela will patrol the wings, while Abutwalib Wesonga offers reliability and composure at fullback.

If the Oilers can replicate the precision and power they have shown in the knockout rounds, they will be favorites to lift the trophy again, but they know all too well that a hungry Nondies side will not go down easily.

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Saturday’s full line-up

10:00 a.m. – Varsity Plate Final: Stallions vs KCA (RFUEA Grounds)

10:30 a.m. – Varsity Final: USIU vs JKUAT (Impala Club)

12:30 p.m. – Women’s Final: Impala Roans vs Mwamba Ladies

3:00 p.m. – Men’s 5th/6th Playoff: KCB Rugby vs Strathmore Leos

5:00 p.m. – 3rd/4th Playoff: Impala RFC vs Blak Blad

7:00 p.m. – Main Cup Final: Menengai Oilers vs Nondies RFC