Uganda: Namilyango, Budo Face in Grudge Clash

Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo

27 March 2011

Kings College Budo are in prime position to conquer the lower echelons when the Schools Rugby League enters its business bend at Kampala RFC today.

Budo have been so dominant at U-14 and U-16 levels that semifinals against Namilyango College and St. Mary’s College Kisubi (Smack) respectively could be a foregone conclusion.

Nonetheless, sport has never been straight forward which leaves the underdogs hopeful of pulling of an upset. Budo’s quest of having all three teams reach the finals set for next weekend will be greatly tested when their seniors face Namilyango in the early semifinal. The latter had to grit their teeth to grind out a hard fought 6-0 win over Smack to stay on course for an eighth schools’ title.

For the umpteenth time this season, burly hooker Alphonso Kishato and scrum half Peter Wanyama will bare the burden of Namilyango’s cross. Budo coach Sam Ahamya, too, is heavily reliant on captain Marvin Odongo to sparkle. The late game on an action-packed day has Hana School facing off with Smack for a place in the final.

Hana, the group A winners, trounced five-time champions Budo to get this far and have nothing to fear since wing Phillip Wokorach and fly-half Ivan Magomu have been a class act. Captain Paul Sekatte and centre Daniel Achilla will provide Smack’s answers.

Today at Kampala RFC

Seniors

Namilyango v Budo (3pm)

Hana v Kisubi (4.30pm)

U-16

Budo v Kisubi (11.30am)

Namilyango v London Col (12pm)

U-14

Budo v Namilyango (9.30am)

Kisubi v Kyambogo Col (10.30am)

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