Pirates dare Kobs in derby
Ivan Magomu of Pirates. Photo by Ismail Kezaala.
What you need to know:
RUGBY. Apart from sharing a training facility at Legends, both franchises have always played second fiddle to Heathens in the hunt for silverware. Now they have a chance to revive an almost dwindling rivalry and stake an early claim for this year’s title
KAMPALA.
It’s been a while since the Kampala derby found both Black Pirates and BetWay Kobs in red hot form as is the current case. Both are unbeaten after six rounds of the Nile Special Rugby Premiership although Kobs has bagged five more points than their opponents.
When the centre referee gets the epic rubber underway at Legends today, a lot will have to be proved as the bickering began weeks ago.
“There is no reason why we should not win it,” Pirates captain Mathew Egeru told Saturday Monitor. “It is a big game. But if we play with the intensity and purpose we have had over the past games, victory will be ours.” Egeru has reason to believe they can beat Kobs, something they last did in 2011 when Dennis Etuket scored in the last minute to hand them a famous 12-8 win . Pirates have hardly done anything wrong this campaign and perhaps Kobs have reason to worry.
Pirates coach Anthony Kinene has also played down the role of experience in the showdown as majority of his youthful brigade are in the derby for the first time.
“Experience will not count. My boys just have to believe. They are fit and just have to show they want it more,” he said.
The Kobs camp is unfazed by their opponents’ form. “You know what to expect in a derby,” said Kobs flanker Brian Asaba.
“Expect a good hard game of rugby and expect us to come looking for victory after 80 minutes of play.”
TODAY’S LEAGUE FIXTURES
Kobs vs. Pirates 2.30pm, Legends
Mongers vs. Heathens 4.30pm, Entebbe
Rhinos vs. Rams 4.30pm, Legends
Gulu vs. Buffaloes 4.30pm, Gulu
Impis vs. Warriors 4.30pm, Makerere
