Kasiita pumped up ahead of ‘Kyadondo derby’
Looking for silverware. Toyota Buffaloes celebrate after defeating Heathens in the Gulu leg of the national sevens circuit. The Buffaloes hope to replicate their sevens’ form when the two teams meet again Uganda Cup semis on Saturday. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
Walukuba plays Kyambogo and Rams takes on Mbale Elephants in the Shield semi-finals at Makerere Graveyard Grounds.
KAMPALA. The battle lines have been drawn ahead of this weekend’s Uganda Cup semi-finals at Kyadondo Rugby Club, with Toyota Buffaloes’ captain, Eric Kasiita making a rallying call to his team to topple Hima Cement Heathens, who are aiming to win the trophy for a fifth consecutive year.
The two sides, both based at Kyadondo, will crown the day’s action after the Buzz Pirates-Betway Kobs encounter, and Kasiita knows that victory against their foes in the ‘Kyadondo Derby’ will need call for more than just an average play.
“We are facing them with renewed hope of beating them. We have lost to them in many games but we believe this should end. We are like brothers from the same family. And in families, there is that big brother who is always dominant. In our (Kyadondo) family, Heathens are the big brothers. But on Saturday we are going out to stake our claim in the ‘family’ matters,” explained Kasiita.
“Both teams are rebuilding. Our team is full of youngsters who are hungry for success. Heathens has also lost some of their senior players and brought in new faces, which will make it an interesting game,” explained Kasiita.
Whereas Kasiita and Buffaloes have enjoyed greater success in the 7s version of the game, finishing ahead of Heathens in recent national 7s circuits, they have somewhat failed to replicate the form in the 15s field.
Alongside Buffaloes club mates Pius Ogena and Kevin Keremundu, Kasiita captained the national team to back-to-back African championships and traversed the world in HSBC World Series engagements. So, what could be the problem?
“Heathens have a heavier pack. Yes, we have good players in the backline, but when the battle shifts to packs, they completely outmuscle us. (However) we are working on a different strategy before Saturday’s game,” he added.
Will this strategy deliver the badly desired result for Buffaloes? “The best team shall win. And I believe we are,” concluded Kasiita.
Elsewhere, Walukuba plays Kyambogo and Rams takes on Mbale Elephants in the Shield semi-finals at Makerere Graveyard Grounds.
