Is it Kobs’ season?
DMark Kobs youngster Joseph Aredo(L) eludes Heathen’s Brian Kikawa to touch down at Kyadondo last season. Photo by Eddie Chicco
What you need to know:
Against Heathens, Kobs were at their brilliant best, bursting with fluid counter attacking rugby right from kickoff when lock Ramathan Govule set up wing Justin Kimono for the first try in the opening minutes.
Kampala- After five years in MTN Heathens’ shadow, DMark Kobs are on the brink of something special as the curtains fold on the first round of the 2013/14 Nile Special Super 8 Rugby League.
The new season has come quick for all teams but not Kobs, who if the current state of affairs is anything to go by, look like they are going to end their years of hurt.
Last Saturday’s 19-11 win against powerhouse Heathens at Legends sent a loud message to the chasing pack. Going into this weekend’s fixtures, Kobs are perched at the league summit and remain the only side with a 100 percent record.
The homework done by Kobs’ technical bench deserves a round of applause as they boast the best defence in the league with Heathens wing Allan Otim being the only person to have the honour of having breached it thus far. But such a storyline seemed a remote possibility just a couple of months ago when fast-rising Toyota Buffaloes overpowered them twice towards the end of last season.
It was a painful sight as the old limbs at Kobs were forced on their knees by an energetic Buffaloes outfit marshaled by Robert Seguya.
Kobs have been revitalised by the acquisition of Kenya-born loose forward Scot Oluoch, re-signed from Heathens and Davis Kiwalabye, who had previously traded camps to G4S Pirates. The charisma of Oluoch has illuminated Kobs’ play with his strong runs and raw power at the scrum while Kiwalabye has been flawless in his executions.
For some Heathens fans, seeing Oluoch in Kobs’ blue and white stripe is still an unbelievable sight. However, he has quickly settled in and looks at home.
The try against his former employees Heathens last weekend will surely win him more Kobs fans and make him fully accepted.
For the Kobs supporters, who have been fed on a diet of false dawns, there is caution about excessive optimism. Five years of no silverware leave that kind of effect even on fans of a team like Kobs who boast a rich history. “We are taking all games seriously till the end of the season,” said Kobs center Oscar Kalyango. “But victory over Heathens must make us confident that we can finally win the title.”
Against Heathens, Kobs were at their brilliant best, bursting with fluid counter attacking rugby right from kickoff when lock Ramathan Govule set up wing Justin Kimono for the first try in the opening minutes. The fans can only hope fluidity stays with their side till the business end of the league in the New Year because it is only then that the corner will be turned.
