By Bs Mulavi
Impala RFC have been dealt another blow as Kenya international fifteens player Lawrence Buyachi has returned to his former club Nakuru RFC.
Speaking to FeverPitch Buyachi claimed he does not have any bad blood with the Gazelles and he is simply returning to his home club.
“When I was leaving Nakuru for Impala, at the back of my mind, I knew I would eventually return home,” said Buyachi.
“Nakuru RFC has always been a part of me and it is with great excitement that I look forward to reuniting with my former teammates, with whom I’m confident, we will be able to win trophies,” he added.
Impala have not won a trophy for the past three seasons and the future continues to look bleak for the Gazelles with Buyachi adding to the list of stars who have left the club.
Lost players
In the past two years Impala has lost national team players such as Brian Nyikuli, Dennis Karani, Nato Simiyu and now Buyachi.
Buyachi is regarded as one of the most explosive forwards in the Kenya rugby scene and his exit will leave a gaping hole in an already dilapidated Impala side, which has been struggling to keep their status as a top club locally.
Impala will be hoping not to head down the same road that their neighbours Nondies RFC went through from in 2002.
Lost players
Nondies is the most decorated side in Kenyan rugby but ever since the retirement of key figures like Benjamin Ayimba, Kanyi Gitonga, Paul Murunga and Allan Hicks, they have not been able to regain their stride and have been struggling in the lower half of the league.
Buyachi’s advice to Impala as he left was that, Nakuru faced a mass exodus almost four years back but they took that opportunity to slowly rebuild their team through the youth system and their fruits are finally starting to ripen.
Nakuru was a top contender for the Kenya Cup last season, but lost out to Kenya Harlequin in the final stretch.
Impala team manager Nick Abok, confirmed the latest depature from the club, but allayed fears that they will continue to struggle locally.
