Having finished third on the log last season, Betway Kobs will be looking to bounce back and contest for the national rugby league title this season.
The season will start at Makerere where they face Rams in the opening fixture in search for maximum points. Now under Ronnie Lutakome, Kobs will have to contend with the numerous changes in the playing department having lost a number of players in the off season. Joseph Aredo joined Kenyan side Harlequins and is one of the faces missing from the team that fell short last season. Winger Keith Sseruyange enrolled for a masters in Wales and will also be away this season while Michael Amolo made the switch to fellow Legends outfit Shell Rimula Rhinos.
In their absence, Kobs will be looking and hoping for a return to full fitness of Justin Kimono and Oscar Kalyango, who both sat out last season with injuries. Brian Odongo, Brian Asaba and Adinan Mutebi will lead the forwards department while James Ijongat, Adrian Kasiitoand Davis Kyewalabye are the go-to backs ahead of the season.Kobs won their two fixtures against Rams last season and will hope for no surprises against the Mulago outfit.
Pirates vs. Impis
Buzz Pirates start the season after winning their second Uganda Cup and are full of confidence that they can lift the league title as well. The young crop of players at the club added silverware to their names and will be even hungrier for the league title. The combination of Conrad Wanyama and Ivan Magomu at half back has worked for Bobby Musinguzi’s side in the last two seasons and will pause a lot more questions to opponents this season. Denis Etuket and Joel Anguyo are the old guards at the team and will lead with experience as the side look for their maiden league title. Youngsters Desire Ayera, Timothy Kisiga, Baron Kasozi, Harunah Muhammad and Raymond Emanzi will all be looking to impress this season.
Other fixtures
Defending champions Hima Cement Heathens open their campaign with a trip to Jinja to take on Jinja Hippos. In the absence of Philip Wokorach, Asuman Mugerwa and Aaron Ofoyrwoth, who are all plying their trade in the Kenyan league, Heathens have to fill the gaps to try and retain the championship. Warriors face off with Rhinos in the first Legends derby of the season while Toyota Buffaloes take on Plascon Mongers.