Bruised franchises seek lift in regional tourney

The scars are written all over Victoria too. Wing Justin Kimono was stretchered off with a rib injury in Nairobi last week and Philip Pariyo has taken his place.

One blanket conclusion from the opening day of the regional Bamburi Rugby Super Series (BRSS) was the below par showing from the two Uganda franchises.

“I must admit, we played poorly. The Kenyans seem to be ahead of us,” Rwenzori coach Fred Mudoola said with brutal honesty after the 25-14 win over Kengewa.

Mudoola, his Victoria counterpart Herbert Wafula and the respective players need a lift amidst openers more memorable for the injuries than the results.

Both are away in Kenya – Rwenzori face Mamba in Mombasa while Victoria clash with Papa at Nairobi’s Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) Grounds on Ngong Road.

For the latter, it’s here that they were demolished 70-15 by Nyumbu. Rwenzori are without Mathias Ochwo (torn Achilles), Joel Anguyo (fractured leg) and Faisal Gama (back).

The scars are written all over Victoria too. Wing Justin Kimono was stretchered off with a rib injury in Nairobi last week and Philip Pariyo has taken his place.

So why did the two Ugandan sides play poorly and sustain all injuries? “The change of format to a short season in the Super Eight means the fitness levels are lacking,” Mudoola responded. “The Kenyans have played an entire season so they are fitter and faster.” His team has had to contend with a long road trip which will also count for something.

Recovery from the fatigue means everything. After that, fly-half Chris Lubanga, not the most flamboyant, must try to spread the ball more, something that was lacking.

Tries from Richard Lumu, Joseph Aredo and Michael Wokorach show that their backline can score and taking chances will be important.
Victoria’s relatively shorter trip to Nairobi is already made daunting by the absence of Kimono at a venue where no local franchise has ever won a game.

ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com