Impala shift focus to 2018-19 Kenya Cup season

Homeboyz Stanley Isogol (C) evades Richard Sidindi (L) and Davis Makori of Impala during the Enterprise Cup final at RFUEA grounds [Courtesy]

After falling at the last hurdle of the Floodlit tournament for the second successive year, Impala Saracens now shift focus to the 2018-19 Kenya Cup season that begins on November 17.

Impala, who last won the Kenya Cup in 2009,  start their hunt for the title, which has proven elusive in recent years, with a home tie against Kenyatta University side Blak Blad and head coach Frank Ndong’ has predicted a gruelling season.

“We have to go and regroup for the Kenya Cup season. It’s going to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent years. The likes of Kabras have beefed up, Nakuru RFC look good while Harlequins and Strathmore gave us a run for our money at the Floodlit tournament,” Ndong’ said.

With some sides having to do without their key players, who will be engaged with the national Sevens and 15s teams next month, the tactician acknowledged that clubs with sufficient depth will have an edge.

“We anticipate a very open season and teams with enough depth will have an upper hand in the long haul,” added Ndong’.

Ndong’, who assumed the role of head coach at the Ngong Road-based club last year expressed optimism with their title chances having elevated some of the players who feature in the Eric Shirley Shield (ESS) reserve league to the senior side.

“A good number of our players have been promoted from our ESS team. They were really good last season so we have decided to keep a bulk of that side to blend with the older guards from the senior team. Hopefully, we shall get something from the combination,” Ndong’ said.

After hosting Blak Blad at the Impala Club on matchday one, Ndong’s charges will head to Nakuru RFC on November 24.