Eyes on Aredo as Kobs face fired-up Hippos

In the razor-thin margins of premiership rugby, one kick can redraw a season. For Jinja Hippos and KCB Kobs, the last time they met in the Nile Special Rugby Premiership, that difference was summed up in three syllables: A-re-do.

With the clock ticking down and Hippos clinging to a narrow 23-21 lead, Joseph Aredo delivered a cold-blooded drop goal that shattered Hippos’ hopes of finishing second on the table.

That solitary strike didn’t just swing the result but gifted Kobs the right to host the second leg of this semifinal at their Legends' fortress.

But before that, the first leg kicks off this afternoon at Dam Waters. Hippos aren’t only returning home, they’re seeking out revenge. That heartbreaking 24-23 loss also ended a two-year unbeaten home run.

Last year, their title bid ended in frustration after falling short at this same stage against Pirates despite carrying a slim first-leg lead.

“That drop goal hurt but it’s good it came during the regular season and not in the playoffs,” said Isaac Rujumba, the only player in the Hippos squad with a Premiership title, having won it with Pirates in 2019.

“We were still growing last year. You could see that in how we lost some games, especially in the semifinals. But we’ve picked up lessons that we’re confident will push us over the line this time.”

Last-minute winners

On the other hand, Kobs arrive with nerves of steel and a squad built for the big moments. Led by their ever-composed Aredo and Josiah Ssempeke, they’ve carved out wins from tight corners including their dramatic 37-36 quarterfinal escape against Buffaloes, courtesy of yet another last-gasp Aredo kick.

Aredo and Ssempeke form the best partnership for the tee having converted 59 of their 82 kicks according to statistics shared by Isa Metrics.

They’ve made it a habit to steal victories at the death but even they are aware of Dam Waters as Hippos boast of their strong pack. Hippos versatile fly-half Yassin Waiswa will try to match the duo after raking in 135 points, the best individual record in the premiership so far.

“It’s been tough because we had to depend on last-minute kicks in our last two crucial away games,” Aredo admitted.

“They pushed us hard and that means we need to take care of business early this time. This is a semifinal and we can’t leave it late.”

NILE SPECIAL RUGBY PREMIERSHIP

Semifinal First leg fixture 

Saturday at 4pm

Jinja Hippos vs. Kobs