Heathens stand in Kobs path to seventh heaven

Kobs winger Justin Kimono darts away in a previous match against Heathens. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

What you need to know:

Heathens looked comfortable as they disposed off Buffaloes 24-03 in their semifinal while Kobs needed a late penalty from Ivan Mugirwa to edge Rhinos 14-13 in Jinja.

KAMPALA- Few showdowns in any Ugandan sport generate levels of excitement and rivalry witnessed every time rugby giants Kobs and Heathens face off.

Today, they meet in the Uganda Cup final in what should be another mouth-watering contest.

Out of the 13 finals meetings, Heathens have emerged victors on eight occasions since the competition was started in 1999.

Outside Heathens and Kobs, Pirates are the only side that have won the Uganda Cup.

Both finalists equally need the title for different reasons. It is Heathens’ only chance to win something this season while Kobs would love to add on their six cups. The men in blue are also desperate to complete a double for the first time since 2008.

Kobs stand-in coach Allan Musoke, was part of the Kobs side that beat Pirates 27-11 in the 2008 final, the last time it was played at Legends grounds then Kampala rugby club.
You may call it mind games but Musoke believes that Heathens come into the showdown in better shape than his side although finals are always full of surprises.

“Heathens have the upper hand because they had better semifinal compared to ours and we also have some injury worries but we shall be ready for them,” said Musoke.

Kobs will also miss the services of Oscar Kalyango who is out with a damaged ankle ligament.

Route to final
Kobs
Gulu Elephants17-57 Kobs (first round)
Kobs 58-09 Mutoni Warriors (quarter final)
Ezee Money Rhinos 13-14 Kobs (semifinal)
Protector Heathens
Boks10 –90 Protector Heathens (first round)
Protector Heathens23-12 Pirates (quarter final)
Toyota Buffaloes 03-24 Protector Heathens (semifinal)
Past Winners
2013: Heathens
2012: Kobs
2011: Kobs
2010: Kobs
2009: Heathens
2008: Kobs
2007: Pirates
2006: Kobs
2005: Kobs
2004: Heathens
2003: Heathens
2002: Heathens
2001: Heathens
2000: Heathens
1999: Heathens