Friendly Affair for Local Sides in Decisive Match

Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo

14 May 2011

After looking deserted on Saturdays, its perhaps fitting that Kampala RFC will make its Bamburi Rugby Super Series bow in grand style.

Today, the club, recently in the news for its sale that went bad, will host the decisive pool B clash between the two Ugandan franchise sides – Rwenzori and Victoria.

This is the first game to be played there since the end of the local league. With one win apiece from the first two games, only one of the two sides can advance to the semifinals in a fortnight.

That leaves so many divided loyalties among the fans – some might side with Rwenzori due to the affinity for the underdog. Since Victoria, tutored by Brian Makalama, has the bulk of Rugby Cranes regulars, there is also a section opting for the crème.

Most of the attention, tactically, might squarely fall on the two backlines. Coach Sam Ahamya seems to have found what was missing with the half backs when he was humbled 49-0 by rampant Cheetahs in the opener.

Recalled fly-half Juma Hillary looked good with his kicking in the 28-17 win over Buffaloes in Mumias, Kenya last weekend. Across, scrumhalf Brian Kikawa thrilled in bits as his midfield company in Allan Matsiko, Faisal Gamma and Joel Kimuli toiled in the 18-14 loss to group leaders Cheetahs at Kyadondo RFC.

Tries have been had to find with both sides combining for just six in four games.

Justin Kimono, with three in Mumias, must have painted a smile on Rugby Cranes selectors’ faces but it’s the lack of cutting edge from Jonathan Onen and Jude Keremundu for Victoria so far that is more worrying.

Bamburi Rugby Super Series

Today’s fixtures

Rwenzori v Victoria (5pm, KRFC)

Rhinos v Lions (4pm, Nakuru LIVE SS9)

Bulls v Sharks (4.30 pm, Mombasa)

Cheetahs v Buffaloes (4 pm, Nairobi)

AllAfrica – All the Time