Top four teams on the table standing

1. Kobs 44pts

2. Pirates 38

3. Heathens 34

4. Buffaloes 30

The third leg of the Guinness 7s rugby in Soroti on Saturday promises to be a grueling one as teams battle for top honours in the Soroti Rugby 7s Circuit.

Heathens who lost to Betway Kobs in the semi-finals of the Mileke 7s by 21-19 and again lost to Stanbic Pirates 19-12 in the Gulu 7s last Saturday, have vowed to better their performance.

Coach Muhamad Athio told Vision Sport that his boys are fully charged to go for a win to stay in the title contention of the six-series tournament.

“We have addressed most of our weaknesses, and the boys know what is at stake. So our target is to win the Soroti Circuit,” Athio said.

“It is too early to count us out of the title. The boys are motivated and the spirit in the camp is high, which gives me confidence,” he added.

Heathens are third with 34 points, trailing table leaders Kobs by 10 points, while Pirates are in the second position with 38 points from two circuits.

Heathens boost of experienced players including Michael Wokorach, Paul Epilo, Joseph Oyet, and Lawrence Ssebuliba.

However, Pirates’ skipper Ivan Magomu believes that they have got that finishing punch they lacked in the previous circuits and are going for a win.

“Kobs are strong and we respect them, but we are going for a win to rejuvenate our hopes for the 7s title this year,” Magomu said.  

Kobs boost of national 7s players including Alhaji Manano, Joseph Aredo, Ian Munyani, and Adrian Kasito, while Pirates have Isaac Massa, Timothy Kisiga, Desire Ayera, and Alex Aturinda.

Ten core teams; Heathens, Kobs, Stanbic Pirates, Mongers, Toyota Buffaloes, Rams, Makerere Impis, Sailors, Warriors, and Jinja Hippos will be joined by two Soroti sides Soroti rangers and Soroti Lions.

Women 7s on

Meanwhile, women return for their second 7s circuit tomorrow at Kyadondo rugby ground.

Four elite teams including Black Pearls, Thunderbirds, Avengers, and Mbale Eagles will face off with Pearls targeting a second win.

Other teams including Acholi Quarters, Black Diamonds, Entebbe Swans, Blue Whales, Ewes, Kisubi Ladies, and Black Opals will also battle each other in the tier B category.

Beatrice Atim, the women rugby development manager said, “We want to use these competitions to identify more talents and also keep our players fit ahead of the international calendar next year.