Heathens lose Ochwo for final showdown

Saturday, Kyadondo

Uganda Cup final

Heathens v Kobs

HEATHENS coach Brian Tabaruka has cracks in his team but he is quite confident the Nile Special Uganda Cup will not seep through.

MTN Heathens host D’Mark Kobs in the final at Kyadondo Rugby Club without captain Alex Mubiru, serving a six month ban, and could be without inspirational Mathias Ochwo who highly doubtful due a thigh injury.

Tabaruka is counting on the seniority of Faisal Gama, Michael Wokorach, Romano Ogwal and stand-in captain Scot Oluoch to blend with an array of youngsters.

“The rest of the team is there. The senior players will mix well with their skilled and enthusiast young teammates. Mathias has not been training. The doctor will soon give us feedback but he is most unlikely to play the final,” Tabaruka stated.

Elusive Uganda Cup Heathens lost to Kobs in the 2010 final and fell to Pirates in the semifinal last year.

“We know Kobs will come out firing all guns. It will be an interesting final that fans will enjoy. Our home advantage doesn’t count much. None of us is cawed by playing away. There’s that good feeling of playing on home soil but it doesn’t give real advantage,” Tabaruka remarked.

Heathens, who have already won the league and Sevens Circuit, aim to complete a hat-trick and probably a clean sweep if they also take the Makerere 10s next month.

“The Uganda Cup has been an elusive trophy for us and that will call on us to play our best to take it. We know it is a huge challenge and we are ready for it,” he said.

In the semifinal Heathens eliminated Pirates while Kobs beat Sadolin Mongers.