Kobs test revival against struggling Heathens

However, both enter today’s fixture with different motivations. Kobs are seeking to reaffirm their recent resurgence under Timothy Mudoola while defending champions Heathens fight to salvage an underwhelming campaign.

Heathens, 17-time champions, have been the dominant force in the last decade winning five of the last seven titles. however, this season has been their toughest in years.

For the first time, they have suffered three defeats in a single campaign and are clinging to fourth place. They even dropped to fifth at one point but have scrapped for crucial wins against Mongers and Victoria Sharks to claw their way back.

Their fate to finish among the top four could hinge on this derby as a loss may see them slip out with one game to go.

“We haven’t fully rectified our mistakes, but we’re working on it,” said coach Muhammad Athiyo. “This is a big game where we must summon our winning spirit and execute our game plan.”

On the other hand, Kobs are undergoing a renaissance under their former player and ex-Rugby Cranes star Mudoola. After nine years without a league title, the 11-time champions have struggled for consistency.

They finished third in last season’s Uganda Cup and were ranked fourth overall behind Heathens, Pirates and Jinja Hippos in the league.

Their struggles threatened to spill into this season after dismal performances that saw them finish third in the preseason Masters Invitational Cup.

That prompted the club to part ways with their coach Victor Wadia and brought in Mudoola to save the sinking yellow ship. Since then, they have risen to second place on 38 points, just one behind leaders Pirates.

“We have two tough away games against Heathens and Hippos, but we have a plan for each,” Mudoola told Saturday Monitor after their 37-31 win at Walukuba. “We had to improve our set-pieces and build a winning culture to turn things around.”

Kobs will rely on Joseph Aredo, whose precise boot has earned them a cool 107 points this season.

Leaders Pirates (38 points) host Buffaloes in Bweyogerere while Hippos in third place with 35 points visit Rhinos at Legends with their eyes at Kyadondo waiting to capitalize on any slip to return to top two.

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Saturday’s fixtures

Men – 4 pm

Heathens vs Kobs, Kyadondo

Pirates vs Buffaloes, King’s Park

Rhinos vs Jinja Hippos, Legends

Mongers vs Victoria Sharks, Entebbe

Eagles vs Warriors, Kitante

Elgon Wolves vs Walukuba, Mbale

Women – 2 pm

Panthers vs Thunderbirds - Legends

She Wolves vs Avengers - Mbale

Nile Rapids vs Ewes - Dam Waters