Rwenzori plot to spear Kenya's Cheetahs today

By Johnson Were and Douglas Mazune

Today, 4pm: Bamburi Rugby Super Series
Semi-finals:
Kampala rugby Club
Rwenzori v Cheetahs

Entrance: sh5000/=

Rhinos v Lions (Nairobi)

That cheering 16th man, the tactical intelligence of tactician Fred Mudoola and determination of Dimension Data Rwenzori team should overwhelm Kenya’s Cheetahs in the semi-finals of the Bumburi Rugby Super Series at Legends Kampala Rugby Club today.

Somehow rugby Coach Fred Mudoola’s hand always turns around teams. When he returned to the rugby scene after three years on the sidelines, he tremendously turned around Kobs and his contribution to Rugby Cranes’ victory over Kenya in the Elgon Cup was immense.

Rugby union soon handed the assistant Cranes coach the mantle to guide Rwenzori, which initially appeared weaker than KCB Victoria.

Mudoola assisted by John Musoke won all the three games including one against five-times champions Rhinos of Kenya.

This trend will certainly prompt even the most uncompromising pessimist to trust Rwenzori to go past Kenya’s Cheetahs. Not one to go chest-thumping, Mudoola has warned his charges against complacence. “This is a semi-final, its knockout rugby and anyone can take the day. That is why I have instructed my boys not to under estimate the opponent,” Mudoola stated.

Rwenzori take on Cheetahs without loose head prop Brian Odongo who has been replaced by Oscar Echulu. “The boys need to give their best and become the first franchise to make the final,” Mudoola explained.

Cheetahs, the 2004 and 2006 champions will be out to secure a third successive final. The Kenyan side will look to national team stars Vincent Mose and Lawrence Buyachi among others.

Uganda’s teams are supported by Hima Cement, Dimension Data, Kenya Commercial Bank, UAP, AON Insurance, Nile special and health service provider IAA.