FINAL CALL
Aug 08, 2009
THE 2009 Super 8 Rugby League title decider between MTN Heathens and Uganda telecom Kobs is a classic that even respected pundits have dared not predict.
By Douglas mazune
THE 2009 Super 8 Rugby League title decider between MTN Heathens and Uganda telecom Kobs is a classic that even respected pundits have dared not predict.
The technical men have shown respect for their opponents and the hunger to come out triumphant on the big stage.
With Heathens captain Brian Tabaruka out injured, Peter Magona will command the troops from the pitch while Tabaruka will assist South African tactician Brian Power on the bench.
“The big game has come at the time we are on form. It is a tie we are supposed to win but we are not taking Kobs lightly. The team is in high spirits and determined to win the league title,†Tabaruka stated.
Heathens, who lead the table with 55 points could even win the league with a draw while Kobs must win the match to clinch a fourth league title in a row. Heathens have a full-strength squad following the recent return of the injured Mathias Ochwo, Robert Seguya and Ronnie Mwisaka; who had been injured while on national duty in Tunisia in June.
“The individual players are also in top form, so a win is expected,†Tabaruka said.
Kobs coaches Ronnie Kaddu and Geoffrey Mabonga had their arsenal further boosted by the return of fly-half Edmond ‘Edu’ Tumusiime, who is famed for terrorizing local and international opponents in the mid-field.
Kobs are itching to make up for their defeat to Pirates two weeks ago which makes them more aggressive.
Both sides have strong packs, experienced players and tactics —mistakes are likely to be punished and that will make the difference.
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Past winners
By Johnson Were
Since 2000
2009-?
2008-Kobs
2007-Kobs
2006-Kobs
2005-Heathens
2004-Heathens
2003-Kobs
2002-Heathens
2001-Kobs
2000-Kobs
IF past statistics had an influence on future results, then Kobs would virtually have an upperhand in today’s Bell Lager Super 8 match.
While Kobs have managed to lift the prestigious trophy six times since 2000, their opponents Heathens have only managed that thrice.
Referee Society Secretary David Kirabira confirmed that IRB Level III referee Ramsey Fidel Olinga will be in charge.
“I don’t see many tries in this game,†Kirabira pointed.
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Final Super 8 fixtures
Kobs v Heathens 5pm
Buffaloes v Pirates 5pm
Impis v Monger 5pm
Rhino v Nile 3pm
Shield:
Kifaru v Boks 1pm
Saracens v Rams 3pm
Summerkamp v Impis II 3pm
League top 10 scorers:
A. Musoke 115
J. Anguyo 104
E. Tumusiime 75
A. Wasswa 75
R. Lutakome 55
THE 2009 Super 8 Rugby League title decider between MTN Heathens and Uganda telecom Kobs is a classic that even respected pundits have dared not predict.
The technical men have shown respect for their opponents and the hunger to come out triumphant on the big stage.
With Heathens captain Brian Tabaruka out injured, Peter Magona will command the troops from the pitch while Tabaruka will assist South African tactician Brian Power on the bench.
“The big game has come at the time we are on form. It is a tie we are supposed to win but we are not taking Kobs lightly. The team is in high spirits and determined to win the league title,†Tabaruka stated.
Heathens, who lead the table with 55 points could even win the league with a draw while Kobs must win the match to clinch a fourth league title in a row. Heathens have a full-strength squad following the recent return of the injured Mathias Ochwo, Robert Seguya and Ronnie Mwisaka; who had been injured while on national duty in Tunisia in June.
“The individual players are also in top form, so a win is expected,†Tabaruka said.
Kobs coaches Ronnie Kaddu and Geoffrey Mabonga had their arsenal further boosted by the return of fly-half Edmond ‘Edu’ Tumusiime, who is famed for terrorizing local and international opponents in the mid-field.
Kobs are itching to make up for their defeat to Pirates two weeks ago which makes them more aggressive.
Both sides have strong packs, experienced players and tactics —mistakes are likely to be punished and that will make the difference.
------------------------------
Past winners
By Johnson Were
Since 2000
2009-?
2008-Kobs
2007-Kobs
2006-Kobs
2005-Heathens
2004-Heathens
2003-Kobs
2002-Heathens
2001-Kobs
2000-Kobs
IF past statistics had an influence on future results, then Kobs would virtually have an upperhand in today’s Bell Lager Super 8 match.
While Kobs have managed to lift the prestigious trophy six times since 2000, their opponents Heathens have only managed that thrice.
Referee Society Secretary David Kirabira confirmed that IRB Level III referee Ramsey Fidel Olinga will be in charge.
“I don’t see many tries in this game,†Kirabira pointed.
----------------------------------
Final Super 8 fixtures
Kobs v Heathens 5pm
Buffaloes v Pirates 5pm
Impis v Monger 5pm
Rhino v Nile 3pm
Shield:
Kifaru v Boks 1pm
Saracens v Rams 3pm
Summerkamp v Impis II 3pm
League top 10 scorers:
A. Musoke 115
J. Anguyo 104
E. Tumusiime 75
A. Wasswa 75
R. Lutakome 55