Strathmore Leos coach explains loss to Nondies in Impala Floodlit quarters
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 29.10.25. | 15:19
The students rallied late with a converted try in the dying moments, but Nondies held on to secure a semifinal spot
Strathmore Leos’ Impala Floodlit campaign came to an end on Saturday, 25 October, after a narrow 27–21 defeat to Nondescripts RFC in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats.
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The match was as much a test of composure as it was of tactics.
Nondies started brightly, capitalising on Leos’ early mistakes.
Ryan Odua pounced on a misjudged line-out by Gabriel Ayimba to open the scoring, with Ronnie Omondi doubling their lead soon after by slicing through a disorganised defence to make it 12–0.
The Leos, however, clawed their way back into the contest after Adrian Wallace’s yellow card handed them a man advantage.
A series of patient pick-and-drives resulted in a converted try that brought the score to 12–7.
Just before halftime, Victor Mola’s quick acceleration to the corner, followed by Luke Cheptil’s superb conversion, gave the students a 14–12 lead,
The second half was a test of discipline. Ayimba was sent to the bin, with Nondies taking full advantage, scoring twice through Hillary Baraza and another finish at the corner to stretch the score to 27–14.
Strathmore rallied late with a converted try in the dying moments, but Nondies held on to secure a semifinal spot.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the game, Ojal admitted that his charges’ mistakes shaped the outcome more than Nondies’ creativity.
“Our errors allowed Nondies into the game. We were playing like we did not have a structure on what we wanted to do, but that is the whole point of this tournament, to tick certain boxes and improve step by step,” he said.
Still, the tactician took comfort in how his defensive systems held up under pressure.
Nondies only scored off the Leos’ mistakes, and no try came from their set pieces.
“Our defense was very good because there was no open play move that they played and scored. All their tries were off our mistakes. So, our defense is getting to where we want it to be, and our lineouts were all good,” he added.
The Leos’ performance, though not perfect, hinted at a team still gelling and gradually rediscovering its rhythm ahead of the Kenya Cup.
Ojal noted the main aim of Floodies was to test their combinations as opposed to chasing results.
With only two weeks to the 2025/26 Kenya Cup kickoff, he was confident that his charges had ticked most of the boxes.
“Our preseason has been good. I cannot complain. The 15s guys have been doing their own gym work and training. We are getting to the rhythm of play, and we are going to be good,” he said.
