Kobs chase fourth successive Uganda Cup win

By Douglas Mazune

Uganda Cup final

Heathens v Kobs (4:30pm)

D’Mark Kobs’ Andrew Baraza’s visibly enjoys donning the captain’s arm-band in the absence of Brian Odong and the Nile Special Uganda Cup final at Kyadondo Rugby Club today offers him a great opportunity to have silverware to his credit.

Baraza whose troops were beaten to the league title by MTN Heathens are better placed to claim the Uganda Cup gauging by their record in the previous finals.

Kobs have triumphed over Heathens in the past three finals of the competition and Baraza is expected to shoulder the challenge to stretch the winning streak to four in a row.

Not one to shy away from the big occasion Baraza put on a brave face in the run up to the final expected to be attended by a capacity crowd at Kyadondo.

“We shall definitely come out with all guns blazing to defend our title. As champions we are not thinking of losing that title, we instead look forward to fourth title in a row. We are not looking for their weakness but we shall play our game and enjoy ourselves,” Baraza stated.

With senior players like Timothy Mudoola, Victor Wadia, Timothy Kabonero and Stephen Ogwete blending well with a several upcoming national team players, Baraza sources of optimism is clear.

Still brushed by last year’s 13-14 defeat to Kobs in the final at Kyadondo Heathens coach Brian Tabaruka not only looks forward to revenge but with a comfortable margin.

“We would love to have a better score this time so we avoid tension,” Tabaruka remarked. 

Heathens Brian Kikawa who suffered a hamstring in the semifinal against G4S Pirates last weekend is doubtful but Tabaruka remains optimistic.

Heathens have had to do without Alex Mubiru, Mathias Ochwo and Jonathan ‘Bishop’ Onen this competition but remain a formidable side.