Heathens result shows Hippos are edging closer to matching the ‘holy trinity’ – Atibu

Hippos worked hard to peg Heathens' title chase. (courtesy)

RUGBY Heathens result shows Hippos are edging closer to matching the ‘holy trinity’ – Atibu

Fred Mwambu • 17:32 - 03.05.2023

Hippos feel the tough battle against Heathens in the Nile Special Premiership is testament enough that they are near the top three including Blacks Pirate and Kobs

Hippos head coach Saidi Atibu feels that his team will soon match the three big boys after battling hard to dent Heathens' chances of winning the Nile Special Premiership over the weekend.

The Jinja side played hard to deny Heathens the point in the 7-0 loss at Kyadondo that has now left the defending champions trailing by three points with only two games left.

Atibu says that resilience on a tough pitch like Kyadondo is a mark of improvement and believes his side is on the right path to breaking the tradition.

“That was a big game that mattered a lot to them [Heathens], but we were resilient, stuck to plan and were focused throughout,” Atibu told Pulse Sports.

Ceiling

“We could have actually gone ahead and won it but we need to work on some areas.

“Previously,” he added “, we wouldn’t have a chance at the big three, especially when they needed the result that much so it shows that we’re growing and will be breaking that ceiling very soon.”

Kobs lead the pack with 70 points same as Black Pirates. Heathens follow with three fewer as Hippos lead the rest of the table in fourth with 40 points.

Hippos play Rhinos on Saturday before closing their season against Walukuba Barbarians in the Jinja derby.

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