Tales and lessons from the 2025 Impala Floodlit Tournament

The curtains came down on the 2025 Impala Floodlit Tournament on Saturday, 8 November, at the Impala Grounds, marking the end of yet another thrilling chapter in Kenya’s oldest pre-season competition.

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It was Menengai Oilers who once again stood tall, defending their title with a clinical 32–20 victory over a spirited Nondescripts RFC side.

According to statistics from Tisini, the Oilers made the most of every opportunity, punishing Nondies’ errors with ruthless efficiency.

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Despite having less possession (48%) and territory (41%), the Oilers’ 94% tackle completion and fewer handling errors (7 compared to Nondies’ 14) made all the difference.

Nondies, on their part, were brave and structured. Their dominance in territory (59%) and set pieces (80% lineout success) showed their intent, but lack of clinical finishing proved costly.

Still, their growth story cannot go unnoticed.

For a team that only trains twice a week, finishing second in a major tournament is an impressive statement heading into the 2025/26 Kenya Cup season.

Oilers’ relentless path to glory

Menengai Oilers’ journey to the final was anything but easy. They opened their campaign with a gritty 16–13 win over five-time champions KCB Rugby before dispatching Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 31–21 in the semifinal.

In each match, their patience and defensive discipline stood out. The Oilers are a well-drilled team that knows how to win under pressure.

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Red Lions rising

Nondies’ run to the final captured many hearts.

They edged Strathmore Leos 27–21 in a nervy semifinal and had earlier eliminated hosts Impala RFC 25–19.

Their resurgence reflects a side hungry for a return to the top, after falling short during the National Sevens Circuit.

Heading into the Kenya Cup, the Red Lions will aim to sharpen their finishing and maintain endurance deep into matches.

Students shine Bright

Blak Blad continued their impressive rise by taking third place after narrowly defeating hosts Impala RFC 21–19 in a tense bronze match.

Their celebration after the final whistle said it all. It was a big moment for the students, who have consistently punched above their weight.

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Impala, meanwhile, settled for fourth, a dip from last year’s runner-up finish but still a commendable showing for the hosts.

KCB’s wake-up call

For KCB Rugby, the tournament offered a dose of reality.

The Bankers finished fifth after beating Strathmore Leos 42–12, but their early exit at the hands of Oilers highlighted gaps that need fixing before the Kenya Cup season.

Strathmore’s quiet progress

Strathmore Leos may have finished sixth, but their development story is promising.

Coach Willis “Foxxy” Ojal had to rely on young, inexperienced players with key stars like Victor Mola and Gabriel Ayimba away on national sevens duty in Zimbabwe.

Despite the challenge, the youngsters stepped up admirably, proof that the Leos’ pipeline is alive and well.

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Mwamba RFC Ladies and JKUAT emerge victorious

Mwamba RFC Ladies retained the Impala Floodlit title after defeating Impala Roans 44–11 in the final. The match was a repeat of the 2024 final, but unlike last year, when the final was not played following Impala’s last-minute withdrawal.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) were crowned the Varsity Champions after a 31–23 victory over United States International University (USIU) Martials.

Beyond the Try Line: What Floodies Taught Us

Despite heavy rains during the opening weekends, the 2025 Impala Floodlit was a success both on and off the pitch.

The packed stands were proof that the love for rugby in Kenya continues to grow. However, the event also issued a few lessons for organisers, chief among them, the need for improved infrastructure.

The rains exposed the lack of covered stands and poor drainage, inconveniencing fans who braved the weather to watch the games. Investing in better facilities would not only improve fan experience but also elevate the tournament’s reputation.

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Another opportunity lies in enhancing fan engagement. The energy at the grounds hinted that supporters were yearning for more, a post-match afterparty, perhaps.

Partnering with entertainment sponsors and hosting live performances, just like the National 7s Circuit does, could turn Floodies into a full-day festival of sport and culture.

On the field, the margins were razor-thin, showing us how competitive Kenyan rugby has become. Quarterfinals like Impala vs Mwamba (decided in extra time), Nondies vs Strathmore (27–21), and Oilers vs KCB (16–13) showed just how fine the line is between victory and defeat.

For now, though, attention shifts to the Africa Women’s 7s, set for Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 16 November at the RFUEA Grounds. It will be another chance to witness the continent’s best in action.