Another year, another final.
KCB and Nondescripts are set to meet once more in the Impala Floodlit final, but their journey to the ultimate clash couldn’t have been more different.
In the semifinals, KCB dominated from the start, coasting to a 41-21 victory over Menengai Oilers. On the other hand, Nondies found themselves trailing 0-7 at halftime against Blak Blad but managed a comeback, securing a 20-14 win.
The final showdown will take place under the floodlights at the Impala Club at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 28, with both teams eyeing the championship. KCB, who previously defeated Nondies 20-3 in last year’s final and 28-3 in the 2013 final, aim to surpass Mean Machine as the most successful team in the tournament’s history. They’ve been ruthlessly efficient, beginning their campaign with a convincing 45-0 quarterfinal victory over Kenya Harlequin. In contrast, Nondies, champions in 1983 and 2012, had to fight for a 20-18 quarterfinal victory against the Catholic Monks.
The white-shirted Nondies, celebrating their centennial year, aim to thwart KCB’s ambitions as they chase their third title. They’ve shown remarkable mental strength in this year’s tournament, mounting comebacks in both their matches to secure victory.
Key players
For Nondies, Saturday’s final is a new challenge, but they believe they stand a strong chance against KCB. Nyaenya Moseti played a crucial role in their semifinal win, but his effectiveness in the final will depend on the service he receives on the day. Captain Ian Mumbwani will also vital for the white shirts.
KCB, led by the evergreen Darwin Mukidza, has a calming influence and will rely on players like Brian Wahinya on Saturday evening as they aim to secure a historic tenth title.
The battlefront
This match will be won or lost in the forwards, simply because winning the battle in the forwards will lead to forward momentum and better field positions which more often than not result in increased scoring chances.
There is everything to play on Saturday and we look forward to an entertaining fixture.
This match will be preceded by the third place playoff between Menengai Oilers and Blak Blad.
Most Successful Teams
Mean Machine 9 titles (1984,1991, 1993, 1994, 1995,1996, 2004,2006,2011)
KCB 9 titles (2005,2007,2013,2014,2015,2017,2018,2019, 2022)
Impala 7 titles (1999,2000,2001,2003,2009, 2010, 2016)
Barclays 4 titles (1985,1987,1989,1992)
Mwamba 3 titles (1986,1988,2008)
Kenya Harlequin (1990,1997,1998)
Nondescripts (1983,2002,2012)
Strathmore Leos (2011)
Floodies Roll Of Honor
1983: Nondescripts
1984: Mean Machine
1985: Barclays
1986: Mwamba
1987: Barclays
1988: Mwamba
1989: Barclays
1990: Kenya Harlequin
1991: Mean Machine
1992: Barclays
1993: Mean Machine
1994: Mean Machine
1995: Mean Machine
1996: Mean Machine
1997: Kenya Harlequin
1998: Kenya Harlequin
1999: Impala
2000: Impala
2001: Impala
2002: Nondescripts
2003: Impala
2004: Mean Machine
2005: KCB
2006: Mean Machine
2007: KCB
2008: Mwamba
2009: Impala
2010: Impala
2011: Strathmore Leos
2011: Mean Machine
2012: Nondescripts
2013: KCB
2014: KCB
2015: KCB
2016: Impala
2017: KCB
2018: KCB
2019: KCB
2020: Not played
2021: Not played
2022: KCB
*There were two editions of the tournament in 2011. Strathmore Leos won the 29th edition of the tournament in March 2011 with Mean Machine winning the 30th edition of the tournament in October 2011.