Louis Kisia, the newly appointed head coach of Impala, is stepping into his role with clear ambitions: to lead the team back to the top of Kenyan rugby by securing a place in the Kenya Cup playoffs this season. After a successful stint with Strathmore Leos, where he guided the team to consecutive Kenya Cup semifinals, Kisia now faces the challenge of revitalizing Impala, a club with a rich history but recent struggles. With the Kenya Cup season set to begin in November, Kisia is confident in his ability to steer the team toward success.
A New Beginning for Impala
Impala Rugby Club, a 10-time Kenya Cup champion, has faced a challenging few seasons. The team was relegated in the 2023-2024 season after finishing 11th, a disappointing outcome for a club with such a storied past. However, under the guidance of former head coach Malik Ndemi, Impala managed to secure promotion back to the top tier, finishing second in the Championship behind South Coast Pirates. Now, with Kisia at the helm, the club is looking to reclaim its place among Kenya’s rugby elite.
Kisia’s appointment marks a new chapter for Impala. His track record of success, particularly with Strathmore Leos, where he took a relegated team and led them to two consecutive Kenya Cup semifinals, speaks to his ability to build competitive teams. “At Strathmore, we got relegated, but when we got promoted, we made the Kenya Cup semifinals in two consecutive seasons. Impala’s pool of players is better, older, and more mature with no age limits. It gives me a good foundation for the upcoming season,” Kisia remarked, expressing his optimism for the task ahead.
Building a Competitive Team
Kisia is not taking the challenge lightly. He understands that for Impala to achieve its playoff ambitions, the team must be well-prepared, both physically and mentally. The first step in this preparation is the pre-season, where Kisia and his coaching staff will focus on building the team’s strength and conditioning, as well as instilling a winning mentality. “We start our pre-season this week with strength and conditioning and instilling in the players the brand of rugby we need to play for the upcoming season,” Kisia said, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation.
The pre-season Floodlit tournament will be Kisia’s first real test as Impala’s head coach. This tournament will provide an opportunity to assess the team’s readiness and make any necessary adjustments before the Kenya Cup season begins. “My ambition is to ensure we are in the playoffs come the end of the season,” Kisia stated confidently, reflecting his determination to make an immediate impact.
Leveraging Experience and Leadership
One of Kisia’s key strengths is his experience in Kenyan rugby. Having coached both Mwamba and Strathmore Leos, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the dynamics of the Kenya Cup. His ability to turn around teams and guide them to success will be crucial as Impala looks to reestablish itself as a powerhouse in Kenyan rugby.
Kisia’s leadership will be supported by a strong coaching staff. Jackson Katunga will serve as his assistant coach, bringing his own expertise and experience to the team. Gilbert Otieno has been appointed as the team manager, ensuring that the logistical and administrative aspects of the club are well-handled. Additionally, Caleb Muturi will oversee strength and conditioning, while Washington Okello, assisted by Chris Majale, will coach Impala II. The women’s side, known as the Roans, will be coached by Mary Ochieng, further demonstrating the club’s commitment to excellence across all levels.
The Road to the Playoffs
The Kenya Cup is one of the most competitive rugby leagues in Africa, and securing a spot in the playoffs will not be an easy task. However, Kisia is confident that with the right preparation and mindset, Impala can achieve its goals. “I am delighted to have been appointed as the coach of this great club. My ambition is to ensure we are in the playoffs come the end of the season,” he said, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support from the players, management, and fans.
Kisia’s strategy for success will likely involve a combination of solid defense, strategic playmaking, and effective utilization of the team’s experienced players. He will also focus on developing younger talent, ensuring that Impala has the depth needed to compete at the highest level throughout the season. The pre-season training and the Floodlit tournament will be critical in fine-tuning these strategies and building a cohesive team ready to take on the challenges of the Kenya Cup.
A Look Ahead
As the Kenya Cup season approaches, all eyes will be on Impala and their new coach, Louis Kisia. The club’s history of success, combined with Kisia’s proven track record, has generated excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike. The upcoming season represents not just a return to the top tier, but an opportunity for Impala to reestablish itself as a dominant force in Kenyan rugby.
Kisia’s experience, leadership, and strategic approach to coaching will be instrumental in navigating the challenges ahead. With a strong coaching staff and a talented pool of players, Impala is well-positioned to make a serious run at the playoffs. However, the journey will require discipline, hard work, and a commitment to the team’s goals.
Conclusion: A Promising Season Ahead
Louis Kisia’s appointment as head coach of Impala marks the beginning of what could be a successful and transformative season for the club. With clear ambitions to secure a top-six finish and make the playoffs, Kisia is determined to lead Impala back to the heights of Kenyan rugby. His experience with Mwamba and Strathmore Leos, combined with the support of a dedicated coaching staff, gives Impala a solid foundation to build on as they prepare for the Kenya Cup.
The pre-season Floodlit tournament will offer a glimpse of what fans can expect from Impala this season. As Kisia works to mold the team into a competitive unit, the anticipation continues to build. With the right preparation and mindset, Impala could be on the verge of a significant resurgence, bringing pride and success back to the club and its supporters. As the Kenya Cup season kicks off in November, all eyes will be on Impala and their quest for playoff glory.
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