Impala Floodlit Organising Committee during the official launch of the 43rd edition of the Impala tournament/HANDOUTDefending champions Menengai Oilers will begin their Impala Floodlit Rugby tournament title defence against KCB in a blockbuster Main Cup quarter-final, according to the draw for the 43rd edition of the competition. Hosts Impala Gazelles were handed a mouth-watering Ngong Road derby against Nondies, while Strathmore Leos will face Mwamba RFC and Kenya Harlequins take on Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad. The three-weekend tournament will be staged at the Impala Grounds along Ngong Road on October 17, 24 and 31. The universities category has also produced intriguing opening ties, with defending champions JKUAT drawn against Mean Machine. Last year’s finalists USIU will face Impala Swaras, while Zetech meet KCA and Daystar Falcons take on Kabete Stallions. In the women’s category, starting at the semi-final stage, defending champions Mwamba Ladies face Northern Suburbs, while Impala Roans meet Harlequin Queens. The draw has set up an explosive opening weekend, with Lubanga describing the match-ups as a true reflection of the tournament’s competitive character. “The matchups drawn today reflect exactly what Floodies is all about: there are no easy games under the lights,” said Floodlit chairman Loren Lubanga. Lubanga also underlined the tournament’s importance in preparing teams for the new 15s season, promising another fiercely contested edition. “The 15s season isn’t handed to you; it is built when no one is watching and tested in prime time. The 43rd edition of the tournament is going to be an absolute spectacle of grit and high-level rugby,” he added. Firmbridge, Karen Hospital, Capital FM, Coca-Cola, Iron Made, Galaxy Travels and Stima Sacco will back up the event.