Rhinos perfect chance to rectify last year’s wrongs

KAMPALA.

Last year’s Uganda Cup quarterfinal draw pitted Shell Rimula Rhinos against rivals Betway Kobs and the latter’s coach then Dan Miriko Morlin hinted Rhinos were favourites to win.
“They (Rhinos) are my favourites for the Cup,” Morlin told SCORE then only for Kobs to emerge 26-19 victors. Rhinos coach Brian Makalama today has a chance to get one over Kobs for a place in the semifinals when the two meet in a repeat of last year’s Uganda Cup quarters.
Like it was last term, Rhinos are still favourites but will have to match the pre-tournament talk or else remain bridesmaids for yet another year.
Perhaps the signing of six players this term will add to Rhinos whatever they lacked last year although Makalama thinks it is about identifying weaknesses and solving them.
“We have been identifying our weaknesses and trying to fix them. The more weaknesses we work on, the better we shall get as a team,” the former Cranes front row told SCORE.
Opportunities created
For Kobs, there is no doubt that the loss of Joseph Aredo to Kenyan side Sportpesa Harlequins has left a massive void which is never going to be an easy one to fill. “We are Kobs. Players come and go,” said coach Ronnie Lutakome.
“When a player leaves it creates opportunity for the next in cue and we have some exciting kids coming through the ranks,” he added. Kobs have also lost Michael Amollo to Rhinos and he could be up for his debut against his old bosses today.
Hima Heathens who are chasing a fifth consecutive Uganda Cup have Warriors between them a place among the last four.
The latter were left disappointed last week when they travelled 300kms to Gulu only to find the venue not suitable for a rugby game as it had been neglected with knee high grass and no markings an hour to the game.
Pirates entertain Hippos while Plascon Mongers visit Toyota Buffaloes in another repeat of last year’s quarterfinal that was decided in extra time.