The birth and rise of the Buffaloes

Mar 27, 2013

Toyota Buffaloes last weekend caused a major upset in rugby history when they beat D’Mark Kobs 22-20 to book a final berth against Heathens in the Nile Special Premier Rugby League that is due April 13 at Kyadondo.

By Johnson Were

Toyota Buffaloes last weekend caused a major upset in rugby history when they beat D’Mark Kobs 22-20 to book a final berth against Heathens in the Nile Special Premier Rugby League that is due April 13 at Kyadondo.

Buffaloes, founded in 2000, remained a development side for Heathens. They were competing in the Shield League until 2004 when they joined the Super 6 League to play alongside Heathens, Impis, Kobs, Pirates and Rhinos. The Super 6 later turned into Super 8 with the promotion of Entebbe Mongers and Nile RFC in 2008.

Uncapped players


In 2011 the team survived relegation and that is when Andrew Owor took over as coach.

Comprised of mainly upcoming stars that have never played for the national team save for Robert Seguya, Buffaloes had earlier defeated Kobs 20-18 in the first round of the league before the semi-final triumph.

They also whipped Pirates in the first round which gave the team further motivation.

Discipline is key

According to coach Owor, discipline, hard work and dedication of players have been the key factors behind their success.

“My players have stood by me and so have I; and in the next five years I would like Buffaloes to be on top,” Owor stated.

Buffaloes have produced the bulk of Heathens players including, Alex Mubiru, Benon Kizza, Asuman Mugerwa, Arthur Mukama, Brian Kikawa, Chris Lubanga, Bishop Onen, Jasper Ochen, Roland Bahendeka, Edgar Odyek, Allan Okello, and Phillip Wokorach.


Ready for the final

Owor explained that the team is now following a specific training programme in preparation for the final.

“The game will be a real challenge but I believe the players are up to it because they know the strength of our opponents,” Owor stressed.

Team captain Alfred Bijik summed it up: “We don’t believe in luck but we believe in giving all our best for victory because none of us believes in losing. This makes the boys work hard,” he explained.

He added that they know how tough their opponent are but they will treat them just like any other opponent they have faced before.



 

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