Kobs, Heathens seek 10th laurel

By Douglas Mazune and Johnson Were

Rugby League

Saturday

Mongers v Rhinos -Entebbe

Heathens v Impis-Kyadondo

Kobs v Nile-Kampala RC

NINE-time champions Kobs are a largely successful club but with the Nile Special Premier Rugby League title eluding them for the previous three seasons their 2012 target is to rediscover past glory.

Traditional rivals Heathens have won the league for three consecutive years now and matched Kobs' record of nine titles. But Kobs will not look on as Heathens surpass their record.

"This is a very crucial season in terms of overall success and we must win a 10th title to be at the top where we belong. We have a very ambitious team and management. This is our time to win, the young players have grown in confidence. The transition period is over, we are ready  to win and continue dominating again," Kobs captain Brian Odong said.

Odong had no worries about the absence of Oscar Kalyango, Brian Asaba, Andrew Barasa, Patrick Lebu, Richard Lumu, Simon Wakabi and Lawrence Wakabi in today's opening game given the feeble opponents Nile at Kampala Club.

Odong pointed out Heathens as the team to beat.

"I don't think Pirates will be as strong as they were in the Uganda Cup. Heathens are always strong in the league and we must do our best to beat them," Odong cautioned.

Kobs have beefed up their squad with the inclusion of Ronald Musaja from Rhinos and Ramathan James who has been elevated from their development side.

Heathens whose pre-season preparation started way back on December 10 should make easy work of XFM sponsored Impis at Kyadondo.

While Heathens coach Brian Tabaruka should easily pick points from Impis he is wary of a difficult season of international engagements because a sizeable number of his players will be involved.

In Entebbe Mongers host Rhinos.

Past title winners

1991, 92, 93 Heathens

1994, 1995 No league

1996-     Impis

1997, 8, 9, 00, 01 Kobs

2002       Heathens

2003       Kobs.

2004, 05 Heathens

2006, 07, 08         Kobs

2009, 10, 11         Heathens