Resurgent Hima Heathens take fight to Plascon Mongers in nile rugby premiership

TODAY’S FIXTURES
Heathens vs. Mongers 5pm, Entebbe
Rams vs. Rhinos 4.30pm, Makerere
Pirates vs. Hippos 2.30pm, Legends
Warriors vs. Buffaloes 4.30pm, Legends

KAMPALA. Three weeks ago after losing their third consecutive Nile Special Rugby Premiership rubber, champions Hima Cement Heathens looked lost and heading for the wrong direction, with many unanswered questions in their camp.

The loss to Shell Rimula Rhinos came after those against Pirates and a rare one to Buffaloes. But coach Mohammed Athiyo remained defiant that it all meant nothing as the season was far from done. “You cannot afford to write us off yet,” said Athiyo then. “We are missing some key players but things will get better when they all return.”

That’s the sort of mentality that has seen the champions prevail in tough situations.
Three weeks later, it’s three wins on the spin including the scalp of rivals and log leaders Betway Kobs which came in spectacular fashion. Like Athiyo had predicted, the return of Lawrence Ssebuliba and Michael Wokorach from the Sevens code has lifted the side.

“We have to win all our remaining games and see what happens elsewhere,” Heathens captain Michael Wokorach told SCORE. “Mongers is a hard team to crack at home but last Saturday’s game against Kobs gave us momentum going forward,” said Wokorach.

Still lurking in fifth place with 21 points, Heathens cannot afford to drop any points if they are expected to close down on the leading pack of Kobs, Pirates and Rhinos.

Rams, who got their first win of the campaign last week against Warriors face a tougher challenge when the Rhinos visit.

Hippos visit Pirates before Warriors hope to put a better show when the host Kyadondo-based Buffaloes.

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