Coach Kisia hails Impala’s Sevens progress

Impala RFC head coach Louis Kisia has praised his side’s steady progress across the opening three legs of the National Sevens Circuit, noting the team is finally rediscovering its rhythm after a two-year absence from competitive rugby.

Speaking after the conclusion of the Christie Sevens, Kisia expressed confidence that his young side can continue climbing the rankings.

“Sevens is a marathon, not a sprint. Our growth has been gradual, built on the boys’ belief that they can step up to the next level,” he said.

Impala marked their comeback at the Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa, where they lost all their pool matches to Catholic Monks, Kabras, and Nakuru before defeating KU Blak Blad 24–7 to book a place at Prinsloo.

In Nakuru, the Sarries posted mixed results—falling to Kabras, drawing with MMUST, and edging Mwamba on day one before defeating Kisumu on day two to qualify for Christie. They eventually finished 10th after a narrow loss to Zetech in the ninth-place playoff.

At the Christie Sevens staged at RFUEA Grounds, however, Impala recorded their breakthrough. For the first time, they won two matches on day one—beating MMUST and Nakuru to finish second in Pool B behind Catholic Monks. That feat propelled them into their maiden Cup quarterfinal, where they were edged 17–12 by hosts Kenya Harlequin.

The Ngong Road outfit bounced back in the classification matches, edging Daystar Falcons 17–14 in the fifth-place semi-final before sealing a dominant 31–12 victory over Nondescripts in the derby final.

“Before the Nondies game, the boys told me they couldn’t afford to lose both Ngong Road derbies after falling to Quins. They went out there and delivered,” Kisia revealed.

The team, a blend of fresh high school graduates and seasoned campaigners, now shifts focus to the Embu Sevens, where they have been drawn in Pool B alongside Strathmore Leos, Kabras Sugar, and Christie Division Two champions Kabete Stallions.