By Douglas Mazune and Johnson Were
THE 2013 Nile Special Premier Rugby League format does not offer a second chance as Sadolin Mongers and Rhinos already bear witness.
Mongers and Rhinos are fairly decent teams but had a slow start to the league which virtually rules them out of contention for the title since there is no second round.
The two sides are most unlikely to make the semi-final playoffs, a situation that will relegate them to the bottom zone of the table where teams will fight for fifth position.
With just two games left, MTN Heathens, D’Mark Kobs, Toyota Buffaloes and G4S Pirates are poised for the semi-finals.
Heathens still top
Champions Heathens who top the table with 25 points, two clear of Kobs must win tomorrow’s tie against Pirates and the closing game with Kobs to retain top position.
“We have won all games and will do our best to remain top and play against the team that will finish fourth. This has been and will continue to be a tight competition,” Heathens coach Brian Tabaruka stated.
If the standings remain the same Heathens will take on Pirates and Kobs will face Buffaloes in the semi-finals.
The playoffs will be played on a single leg and the winners will go for the final that will determine the league champion.
In the bottom half, the fifth placed team will take on the eighth while the seventh will face the team in sixth place.
The winners will battle for fifth position.
Tight calendar
The league was shortened due to a late kickoff due unavailability of Kampala Club pitch in January and a busy calendar.
The innovation of a playoff that spices the league, is much welcome but it would be fair for teams to play two rounds of the league before the playoff.
The semifinal playoffs should be played over two legs in future. The 2013 season will certainly be more exciting given the knockout format.
Timely sh27m boost
Nile Special Premier Rugby league side Summerkamp will, starting with this year’s Uganda Cup event, be renamed Mutoni Warriors.
The development comes after a sh27.7m one year sponsorship from construction company Mutoni.
Formed in 2002 as a 7s side, Summerkamp gained promotion to the top flight last year.
“Our performance is still wanting but we are very proud that Mutoni didn’t consider this factor but want to grow with us,” club chairman Brian Seruyange stated yesterday.
“On top of the cash, the sponsorship covers a full kit, facilitation of players and other benefits.”
Mutoni director Clinton Rawlinson promised continued relationship with the club.
“This is just the beginning of a long relationship,” he remarked.
