Nondies and Quins dither as Floodlit nears

• Inaugural winners Nondescripts have won event twice, Harlequin thrice

Enterprise Cup champions Kenya Harlequin and inaugural winners Nondescripts are the only Kenya Cup sides yet to register for the Resolution Health Impala Floodlit tournament that gets under way on January 23.

However, Impala RFC secretary Charles Mbogo is confident the clubs will confirm their participation before the draw is done Saturday.

Mbogo explained that Quins wanted to know the condition and quality of the lighting system at the grounds while Nondies needed to do further consultations before signing up. He said co-sponsors Homeboyz will put up additional lights to reduce the shadows on the pitch.

‘Teams are for event’

“I am confident both teams are for the event, especially Nondies who have not played for several months and missed out on the National Sevens Circuit,” said Mbogo.

Since the tournament’s inception in 1988, Quins, who are also Grand Slam champions, have won the event in 1990, 1997 and 1998, while Nondies were the inaugural winners and only claimed the title again in 2002.

The event will see the return of the schools championship. Last year, schools did not feature after the Floodlit was deferred to May to pave way for the Junior Rugby World Cup Trophy held in Nairobi in April.

The new Floodlit event dates clashed with the schools’ programme. But the organisers stepped in with the Under-20 Championship, in which the hosts chalked up a classy display to snatch both categories.

Kenya Cup champions Impala, who have won the event five times, handed Kenya Commercial Bank a 31-14 defeat to claim the main trophy for the first time since 2003 while their other side beat Mwamba 29-14 to lift the Under-20 title.

Besides title holders Impala, University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine, who boast the most wins (eight), four-time champions Mwamba and KCB, who have won it once, as well as Nakuru will throw their hat in the ring. Strathmore is also in contention for the title.

Alliance, who won the schools event in 2008, and Nairobi School, Mangu, Kiambu, St Mary’s, Moi Forces Academy and Ofafa Jericho are all bracing themselves for the battle.

Impala Sports Club have meanwhile secured sponsorship of over Sh2.2 million from Resolution Health.

The package will mainly cover the Floodlit, which traditionally kicks off the season. It will also go towards meeting the team’s costs of playing kits, medical and travelling expenses to see it through the 15s season.

Impala has over the years used the Floodlit as a source of income, besides the gate collection during their home matches.

“This has not been sufficient to cater for all our expenses during the 15s season. Hence, Resolution Health’s coming in as title sponsors is highly appreciated,” said Mbogo.

The partnership will be officially unveiled on Wednesday at the club grounds while the draw for the 28th edition of Floodlit will be held tomorrow at the same venue.