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Kobs’ first clash with a team from Kyadondo ended in heartbreak a few weeks ago.
Aaron Ofoyrwoth scored a last-minute drop goal to hand Heathens a 17-15 win over their arch-rivals at Legends Rugby Club. In response, Kobs defeated Jinja Hippos 33-15 last Saturday.
The bonus point victory ensured the gap between Kobs and table leaders Pirates remained at a mere two points, with Kobs on 16 and Pirates 18.
That victory over Hippos was massive and Kobs captain Ian Munyani hopes the team can build on that to charge towards the league title.
“The boys were down and needed that bonus point victory to shed off the slip against Heathens and rebuild momentum,” Munyani told Pulse Sports.
Buffaloes are next in line for Kobs and the challenge at Kyadondo will be tough as the home side looks to replicate what Heathens did at Legends.
And Munyani is aware of what to expect from Charles Onen’s troops: “Buffaloes is a very talented side.”
“They are coming in with all guns blazing but we look to stick to our game plan and the mindset is to get our momentum going by getting the victory.”
“A bonus point would definitely make the win a good one,” Munyani added.
Against the Hippos, it was the returning winger Lawrence Wakabi who rolled back the years with two late tries to hand Kobs the bonus point win.
Hippos had been a menace and scored two tries but had their resistance broken by the sleek feet of Wakabi late in the game.
Deep Kobs
Kobs’ deep roster means they can rotate the team and that is what head coach Brian Makalama has been doing well.
Players like Justin Kimono and Davis Kyewalabya are back in the line-up having missed the previous game.
Kyewalabye replaces Robert Masendi, who was stretchered off against Hippos while Kimono takes the place of Oscar Kalyango in midfield.
Frank Kakula, who set up Kalyango for a try against Hippos, is the only one who retains his starting place in the front row.
Faragi Odugo is back for Jude Juuko at hooker while Saul Kivumbi takes the place of Collins Kimbowa as the tighthead prop.
Robert Aziku limped off last week and is replaced by Wilobo Mukili, who will partner Michael Otto in the second row. Otto takes the place of Emmanuel Ecodu.
Joseph Aredo maintains his place at flyhalf and his boot, which has been brilliant in the last two games, might come in handy against Buffaloes.
Buffaloes ready
Buffaloes have won two and lost as many this season. Falling to Kobs might not make any headlines but Onen and his charges will be out to stop that from happening in front of their home crowd.
“We believe we are set for the contest after rectifying a few areas that we failed to execute well against Pirates last weekend,” Onen told Pulse Sports ahead of the game.
While the Buffaloes fell 22-09 against Pirates at King’s Park last Saturday, they will take pride in keeping the table leaders quiet and scoreless the entire second half and can build on that to cause Kobs a few problems.
“The boys are ready to give it their best shot and focusing on set piece contest and dominance, retaining possession and trying to maximise the use of the ball,” Onen added.
There is a bit of experience in the midfield with former Heathens centre lining up at 12.
Kobs have been terrible with the line-outs the last two games despite trying different options at hooker and that is the area Buffaloes might want to exploit.
Odugo struggled with his throws against Heathens and it was the same case when Juuko replaced him in the win over Hippos.
Saturday fixture
Buffaloes vs Kobs -4pm, Kyadondo
Mongers vs Pirates -4pm, Entebbe
Rams vs Walukuba -4pm, Makerere
Rhinos vs Impis -4pm, Legends
Hippos vs Heathens -3pm, Jinja
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