Rhinos offer Heathens ‘final’ test

KAMPALA.

The duopoly that Hima Cement Heathens and Betway Kobs have over Ugandan rugby is so uniquely strong that they are even tied on league title count -12.

That telepathy seen in Siamese twins will be broken today by Heathens if they beat Shell Rimula Rhinos and Kobs do the same against Pirates, clinching the 2016/17 Nile Special Rugby Premiership title.

Heathens, on 62 points, lead second-placed Buzz Pirates by 10 with Kobs third on 42 having played one game less.

If Kobs beat Pirates and Heathens do the same against Rhinos, the buck stops here.

They can win this with two games to spare to crown a dominant season that saw eternal rivals Kobs, winners of the last two diadems, fold meekly, similar to Heathens last season.

Pirates and Rhinos have huffed and puffed but lacked the lasting power of coach Mohammed Athiyo’s side.

“It’s true we could be champions this weekend,” Athiyo told SCORE. “But I have been encouraging my players to overlook that thought, I want them to play to the last game because in actual sense we are yet to win it,” added Athiyo, who took over from rugby legend Robert Seguya as the club averted a mini-crisis, last November.

While all the attention will be on the Heathens-Rhino rubber, Pirates will want to stay in the picture as long as they can with feeble hopes of a miracle.
“We have been handling each game on its own and the game against Kobs will not be any different,” said Dennis Etuket who has been with Pirates for the last 17 seasons.

“We shall play our part and wait what unfolds but we are still hopeful,” replied Etuket on Pirates’ chances of pipping Heathens to the title.
Warriors, at Legends, host Impis who let in 80 points against Kobs last week.

TODAY’S FIXTURES
*Heathens vs. Rhinos, Kyadondo,4.30pm
*Kobs vs. Pirates, Legends, 2.30pm
*Warriors vs. Impis Legends, 4.30pm

Champagne on ice.