Kobs keep calm for lead as Pirates impress so far

Fly-half Ijongat (L), wing Amolo (C) and blind-side flanker Asaba have played pivotal roles to ensure Betway Kobs finish the first round at the log. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO 

By  ISMAIL DHAKABA KIGONGo & DEUS BUGEMBE
Posted 


Saturday, March 5  

2016 at 

02:00

KAMPALA- It has been a stop-start first round of the Nile Special Rugby Premier League season that lasted longer than planned. First, the expansion from eight to 10 teams meant more playing weeks.
Then came the rains late last year that turned the playing turfs at Kyadondo and Legends into mini-kraals. Just when the skies gave the all-clear, political hysteria stepped in. Games were called off in elections.

Amidst all this, Betway Kobs, hoping to reclaim the crown from rivals Hima Cement Heathens, kept their heads to establish a five-point lead at the top with 43 points.

The impressive Black Pirates examined their resolve before losing 23-8 in a game largely remembered for the controversial sending off of enigmatic fly-half Ivan Magomu.

Kobs would also withstand Heathens as the latter’s reacted angrily to the cancellation of fullback Philip Wokorach’s would-be match winning try in the 28-27 result. No wonder Kobs have five players in Score’s best 15 thus far.
However, without any significant players in the tight five due to captain Brian Odongo’s injuries, Kobs are far from the finished article.

15. Haruna Muhammed (Pirates). He is the revelation of the season in the most exciting backline, bar Heathens’ fullback Philip Wokorach. Given an inch of space, Haruna will punish you. His try against Sadolin Mongers deserves the try-of- the-season honours.

14. Daudi Ssemwami ( Rhinos). Wing is grey area for Rhinos and it is no secret that the Rhinos’ backline has not sparkled but Ssemwami has stood out. Besides the tries, his defence is something to behold.

13. Michael Wokorach ( Heathens). The war over the best outside centre between Wokorach and Kobs’ Oscar Kalyango will never cease. Wokorach edges it on consistency. He has been the bridge between the new and old blood at Heathens.

12. Alfred Karekaho (Kobs). This has been the easiest of all choices. The best inside centre in the league by far and it must feel like his high school days again.

11. Michael Amolo (Kobs). Those long strides have left many defenders chasing shadows. Amolo is also a good game reader as seen with his interception off Heathens’ Brian Kikawa.

10. Ivan Magomu (Pirates). Forget his other side we hate to hear about. Magomu is currently playing better at fly-half than Kobs’ James Ijongat and Heathens’ Chris Lubanga. Six tries in eight games is outstanding for a fly-half. No wonder, Pirates are three points behind Heathens on 35. Please keep your head!

9. Conrad Wanyama (Pirates). Wanyama has formed the best half-back combination in the league with Magomu. A scrum-half, who breaks the line continuously, is an asset. He defends and few can rival his kicking.

8. Ramathan Govule (Kobs). Versatility is not common in the game of rugby but not being able to field Scot Oluoch has made Kobs turn to Govule as a firefighter. He has played lock, center and now back row, but succeeded in all positions. Kobs have an average pack but Govule has orchestrated at the back.

7. Cox Bubigwa (Heathens). The sight of a heavy man with looks of a barbarian. Bubigwa has matured into an integral part of Heathens’ game.
His works at the ruck are solid and his raw power has helped him break tackles. Today, Mathias Ochwo can go to bed in games and it is not a crime. If his offensive games improves, Cox will be the real deal.

6. Brian Asaba (Kobs). Asaba is a tireless gem. Those who have seen his best will tell you. Despite not being at his best, the tackles and turnovers have been served by Asaba in plenty. He has been a nuisance at the ruck.

5. Herman Ssekamwa (Rhinos). The lanky figure has a basket of attributes and Rhino are benefiting from it as he grows.