New season, familiar finale

Kobs’ Daudi Semwami scored on his debut against Mongers to play Heathens in today’s final.
Photo by John Batanudde

Kampala- The country’s two biggest rugby sides, Hima Heathens and Betway Kobs, face off in today’s Uganda Cup final at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere with another slice of history at stake.

Heathens have won it 11 times, giving Kobs at seven some catching up to do. 2015 was the last time the two met in a Uganda Cup final with Heathens winning 13-10 at Kyadondo. They had met in more than ten finals but the last three years have seen Pirates pip one to the final. While holders Kobs who had last won it in 2012 want to retain their title, Heathens are home to the Uganda Cup but they have been stuck at 11 titles since 2015.

Kobs have kept the tradition of trusting their own with coaching spells. Davis Kyewalabye has been at the club since his Namilyango College school days. He won the Sevens Series on his first mission as coach but he is up against a more experienced Mohammed Athiyo in today’s final. “First final but the semifinal too was my first, I’m good,” said Kyewalabye. He also thinks the sevens campaign prepared him for today’s final.

“The seven games or finals are short which leaves you with little reaction time while in 15s you have time to adjust,” he added.

Heathens’ pack will be at it again, throwing everything at Kobs who are most likely going for a running game. Against Mongers, the Kobs pack was at times bullied as the Heathens side watched on after their own semifinal against Pirates. Kobs efficiency at opening up the small gaps in Heathens’ line will count. New Heathens’ signings like Aaron Ofoyrwoth and Scot Olouch have been there before, Lawrence Sebuliba feels like a new recruit after a year out. On paper Heathens look like the complete puzzle, coach Athiyo thinks everyone is relaxed. “For us, it’s another weekend and another game. We have had the privilege of finding ourselves in similar positions before and know what it takes to win such games,” said Athiyo.

For Kobs, Daudi Semwami showed why he was signed, tries, with one after gathering James Ijongat’s crosskick. The return of Pius Ogena, Ian Munyani, Adrian Kasito and Joseph Aredo give Kobs more backs options.