KOBS intensify season preparations with Nairobi trip to face KCB Lions
The cross-border showdown will see two elite clubs celebrate their deep institutional ties while testing their rosters ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.
Mongers players tackle KCB KOBS's Emma Echodu during their game in Kira. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Uganda's most successful rugby club, KCB KOBS, has intensified preparations for the upcoming season with a high-profile clash against Kenya's KCB Lions this Saturday at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka, Nairobi.
The cross-border showdown will see two elite clubs celebrate their deep institutional ties while testing their rosters ahead of their respective domestic campaigns. While there are no tournament points on the line or trophies to lift, fans can expect 80 minutes of pure, unadulterated pride and high-octane action.
Founded in 1963, Uganda's KOBS boast an impressive 13 league titles, while their Kenyan counterparts are 8-time Kenya Cup champions. This clash brings together two giants sponsored by KCB Bank for a two-leg series.
The return leg is scheduled for October 24, 2026, in Uganda at Kampala Grounds (formerly Legends Ground).
KOBS Chairman Daren Rutagwera noted that the fixture comes at a strategically opportune time for the club.
"This is an excellent opportunity to gauge our strength and give our new recruits and youngsters a taste of international rugby experience," Rutagwera said.
"Winning the Kyabazinga 7s was a clear testimony that we remain a dominant powerhouse in Ugandan rugby. Our ultimate focus is to win this year's National Championship, so this outing means a lot to us."
Former team captain and City Advocate Derick Tukwasibwe echoed the chairman's sentiments, adding that the tour provides both sides a unique platform to connect on and off the pitch.
"We are going to take away key lessons from real game situations and benefit from player networking ahead of the season," Tukwasibwe noted.
KOBS tactician Brian Makalama will use the fixture to find his best playing combinations.
He has selected his travelling squad from the following pool of players: Allan Arinaitwe, Trevor Maina, Collin Kimbowa, Ian Bwowe, Darrell Mwaka, Brian Wandera, Eugene Itazya, Ibrahim Khemis, Mike Otto, and Edrine Ssempebwa.
Others are: Byron Oketayot, Simon Makumbi, Shafik Okole, Rasul Abiriga, Alvin Wavamunno, Strive Nyathirombo, Calvin Gizamba, Alvin Bigomba, William Lukwago, Plan Akampurira, Richard Abigaba, Desire Adriko, Humphrey Olaunyah (Captain), Isaac Lame, and Derrick Tukwasibwe.
Technical Bench: Brian Makalama (Head Coach), Trevor Tusiime (Assistant Coach), Dr. Arnold Khauka (Team Doctor), Andrew Ikopit (Team Manager), and Arnold Kaweesa (Assistant Team Manager).
Domestic action: Kampala Rugby 7s returns
Meanwhile, back home at the Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere, local clubs will renew their fierce domestic rivalries in the second edition of the Kampala International Rugby 7s.
The Uganda Emerging 7s team will be out to defend the title they won last year. The developmental side will use the tournament to fine-tune their tactical patterns and test their match fitness ahead of the prestigious Safari 7s tournament in Kenya the following weekend.