Player recruitment and the setpiece will be vital for the newly promoted Impala if they are to survive in the Kenya Cup next season.
The 10-time Kenya Cup champions beat favourites Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) 12-11 a fortnight ago in the semifinals in Kakamega to seal their place in the top flight following a two-year hiatus.
The Ngong Road outfit will now face South Coast Pirates in the Championship final in Diani in April with both sides assured of promotion to the top flight for next season.
Coach Malik Ndemi said the core of the team that did duty this season must be retained for what will be a challenging 2024- 2025 Kenya Cup season.
“The players that did duty will have to be kept for the upcoming season. It will not be easy but the boys here are fighters and they have shown character this season against all odds," added Ndemi.
Among the players, who have stood out for the Red Shirts were skipper Tyson Okoth, Joshua Matasi, and Billy Arigi, in the forwards and Quinto Ongo, Patrick Mutuku, and Churchill Obat in the backs among others.
Ndemi, a former player for the side, as well as Strathmore Leos, said they are relishing the challenge of playing the high-flying Pirates this week.
“We want to go all out, win the trophy and bring it to Nairobi. We played them in the group phase and lost 26-18 after leading at half-time. I am, confident we can get one over them this time around.
Ndemi added: “Following the championship final, the entire technical bench will sit down and start planning for the next season. We must recruit because we have a team playing the Eric Shirley Shield. The Executive Committee also need to look for sponsors to fund our programme," said Ndemi.
The tactician observed that the transition at the club was not handled well leading to players' exodus when they were relegated to the championship in 2022.
“Transition is very sensitive and you must get the right balance. We were left with inexperienced players last season and we could not compete, missing out on promotion. Right now, the team is in a good place."
