Oilers face tough KCB test as Impala Floodlights kick off
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 05.10.25. | 14:33
Eight teams will be in action at the Impala Club grounds in the tournament that traditionally marks the start of Kenya’s rugby season
Defending champions Menengai Oilers will have a stern test on Saturday, 18 October, when they lock horns with KCB Rugby in the quarterfinal of the 2025 Impala Floodlights Tournament at the Impala Club, Nairobi.
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The Oilers head into this year’s edition as reigning champions after clinching their maiden Floodies title in 2024, beating hosts Impala RFC 42–3 in a dominant final performance.
The win was made even more memorable as they played much of the game with 14 men following a red card to Dennis Abukuse.
This time, however, they face a formidable challenge in the Bankers, who are determined to reclaim their lost glory.
KCB, the most successful side in the tournament’s history with 10 titles, were shockingly bundled out at the same stage last year after a narrow 9–8 defeat to Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, ending their five-year reign.
Eight teams will be in action at the Impala Club grounds in the tournament that traditionally marks the start of Kenya’s rugby season.
Kenya Harlequin return to the competition and are set to meet Blak Blad, while hosts and 2024 finalists Impala RFC take on Mwamba RFC.
In the other quarterfinal fixture, Nondescripts RFC will square off against Strathmore Leos.
The quarterfinals are set for Saturday, 18 October, followed by the semifinals on Saturday, 25 October, with the grand final scheduled for Saturday, 1 November.
Beyond the chase for silverware, the Impala Floodlights serves as an important preseason platform for clubs from Nairobi and Nakuru to test combinations and assess form ahead of the Kenya Cup, KRU Championship, and Nationwide Leagues.
Meanwhile, the Varsities category will run alongside the main competition.
Kabete Stallions will open their campaign against United States International University (USIU), while former champions Mean Machine face Daystar University.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) will take on Impala Swaras, with KCA University meeting Zetech in the final quarterfinal tie.
2025 Impala Floodlit
- Menengai Oilers vs KCB Rugby
- Kenya Harlequin vs Blak Blad
- Impala RFC vs Mwamba RFC
- Nondies vs Strathmore Leos
Impala Floodlit Varsity
- Kabete Stallions vs USIU
- Mean Machine vs Daystar
- JKUAT vs Impala Swaras
- KCA vs Zetech
