Pirates hail Heathens gesture

By Douglas Mazune 

G4S Pirates have welcomed MTN Heathens move to defuse a potential row between the two clubs following the injury of youngster Phillip Wokorach.

Heathens who had intended to petition Uganda Rugby Union (URU) over what they had earlier described as a ‘malicious tackle’ by Pirates’ Anthony Kinene gave up matter after reviewing a video.

Heathens apologized to Kinene for wrongly accusing him of breaking Wokorach’s leg in the semifinal playoff last Saturday, much to the relief of Kinene and his club. 

“As pirates we are happy to hear that Heathens coach Brian Tabaruka has retracted his statement. That's now the sober minded Tindi (Tabaruka) we know. Kinene has been one of the most committed and disciplined players for our club and country. In his 15 or so years of his rugby playing career, he only has one yellow card to his name moreover for simulation in a 7s circuit,” Pirates manager Fred Kumakech stated in an email to New Vision Sport.

Kumakech hailed Heathens for retracting the bitter remarks against Kinene, saying it showed professionalism and respect for the game. 

“That dreaded injury to Philip is regrettable and we wish him a speedy recovery,” Kumakech empathized with Wokorach who will be out of the game for at least three months.

Wokorach had at the height of the storm personally forgiven Kinene regard¬less of whether the tackle was malicious or not.