Rugby Cup final: Kobs look to end Heathen's record

By Douglas Mazune & Johnson Were

Uganda Cup final, Saturday, 4.30pm
Heathens v Kobs

Lions Pride Cup results
First Round            :          Kobs       13          Heathens 11
Second Round       :         Heathens 22          Kobs       10



MTN Heathens have not lost at Kyadondo Rugby Club ground in three seasons and that does not sound nice to D’Mark Kobs captain Brian Odong.

Odong, who missed the semi-final against Sadolin Mongers due to injury, reckons Heathens’ unbeaten home record will come down tumbling in the Nile Special Uganda Cup final tomorrow.

“Heathens are such a strong side that throws everything at their opponents but their home record will come down this Saturday. We shall capitalise on their weaknesses and throw that record out of the window,” Odongo stated.

Kobs that seek to complete a hat-trick of Uganda Cup trophies, will assemble a full strength side following odong’s recovery.

Ibra Nyango, Brian Asaba and dependable Edmund Tumusiime are also back.

“They haven’t won the Uganda Cup in two years and that will get them fighting harder. We are also hungry because that’s the only silverware we are looking at this season,” Odong added.

Odong whose team has previously complained about biased referees declined to discuss match officials.

Heathens in a crisis

With doctors yet to fix inspirational team captain Mathias Ochwo’s injury, the task at hand for Heathens has only been made herculean by the withdrawals of brothers Romano Ogwal and Denis Mullo have been ruled out of the final.

Mullo and Romano lost their father Alfred Egole, 57, (RIP) on Wednesday. Burial will take place tomorrow at Pida III Parish, Kole District, the same time the game will be played.

The former Superintendent of Police and OC Ntinda Police Baracks aged 57 years played rugby during the colonial times. He is survived with seven children, all boys, and a widow.

Heathens coach Brian Tabaruka admitted that the absence of the two locks will have a big impact on their team but will fight for victory.

“It’s a big blow to us but we will use the sad moment to propel ourselves to victory. We will dedicate the victory to our two colleagues,” Tabaruka stated.

The final will also double as the Lions Pride Cup, a bragging rights game between the two most successful rugby sides in the country.

The trophy was inaugurated last year by two former captains Adrian Bukenya (Kobs) and Peter Magona (Heathens).

Heathens are currently ahead on a 33-23 aggregate after a 13-11 first round league defeat and a 22-10 second round victory.