KOBs, Heathens clash in must win encounter after Enterprise Cup exit

The Lions Cup, arguably the most competitive and longest-running rivalry in Ugandan rugby, returns this weekend against a backdrop of defeats for the KOBs and Heathens in the Enterprise Cup.

While the other eight league teams were resting, KOBs and Heathens were two of the four teams representing Uganda in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals against Kenyan sides.

For most Ugandan fans, the KOBs were the favourites to advance to the semifinals as the only Ugandan side, but they were defeated by the Nondies in Nakuru.

The Heathens fielded a largely inexperienced side against Kabras Sugar RFC, and the scoreboard after the 80 minutes accurately reflected the proceedings of the day.

One could argue that both sides were saving their best for this not-so-little dance, and now it’s time for business.

In the recent past, the Heathens have gotten the better of the KOBs in this fixture, with the most infamous of these coming in 2023, where the Heathens won home and away. In both games, the KOBs were disgruntled by the officiation, but it was in that return leg at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds where they reached the tipping point.

The following season, after the Premiership took on a championship format, the two sides played out a mouth-watering semifinal where they each won a leg, but were separated by points for the Heathens to advance to the final and win the league.

Last season, the Lions Cup was a wet and feisty affair that ended in a tie at Kyadondo. The KOBs went into the game as favourites, but did everything possible in their power not to win the game. Poor decision-making in prime attacking areas cost the KOBs, who could have easily gone home with the win.

The then KOBs head coach, Timothy Mudoola, reflected on this after the game, saying, “A lot of decision-making was done wrong,” a vice that shouldn’t reappear this Saturday if the KOBs are to put up a great performance.

In the Heathens forwards pack are two players who know the KOBs all too well. Julius Opio and Jude Jjuuko signed for the yellow machine this season and shall be going back to a place they once called home.

On the other end, the veteran Scott Oluoch will be there to welcome back his former side to Naguru, with the hopes of upsetting his former employers. 

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