At this point of the National Rugby League last season, Hima Cement Heathens were invincible as they eased past every opponent they came across. Vicent Mose and Asuman Mugerwa were enjoying themselves playing for the men in green as they planned to dethrone then title holders Betway Kobs.
Heathens went on to enjoy an unbeaten first round, winning all nine games and collecting 42 points out of the possible 45. Muhammad Athiyo's troops comfortably sat atop the table, six points ahead of second placed Buzz Pirates while Kobs languished in third place on 32 points.
However, things have not been the same for the defending champions this season. When they take on table leaders Betway Kobs at Kyadondo this Saturday, Heathens will be looking to avoid a fourth defeat of the season. They only won one of their opening four games before their last two wins over Rams and Impis at Makerere. Betway Kobs, on the other hand are flying thus far.
They only failed to pick a bonus point this campaign on one occasion against Mongers over the weekend. Then, Betway Kobs failed to collect a bonus point in their 22-9 win over Plascon Mongers. All the opening five rounds of games, including those against Toyota Buffaloes and Rimula Rhinos, ended with Ronnie Lutakome's charges registering maximum points. Heathens will be looking for a big win to reignite their campaign while Betway Kobs will want to maintain their unbeaten run with only three games left in the first round.
James Ijongat, Adrian Kasiito and Alhajji Manano have all returned to action for Betway Kobs after featuring for the national sevens side in the Dubai and Cape Town series of the HSBC Sevens. They have since regrouped with the likes of Brian Odongo, Brian Asaba, Justin Kimono and Davis Kyewalabye to lead Kobs' push to the league title.
For Heathens, only Lawrence Ssebuliba swung into action after the Sevens with Michael Wokorach returning with an injury. With the new faces still struggling to fit into the Heathens' shirt, Kobs will hold the favourites' tag going into the clash.
Heathens will bank on the fact that, usually, it doesn't matter the kind of form the team has had prior to a derby like this one. At Legends, second placed Buzz Pirates and Rhinos lock horns in the Legends derby.
The two sides have in the past few years been tipped to disrupt the status quo by ending the Kobs-Heathens duopoly in Ugandan league rugby. Pirates showed signs last season by finishing above Betway Kobs and going on to win the Uganda Cup after beating Betway Kobs in the semis and Heathens in the final.
Bobby Musinguzi's charges are also yet to lose a game on pitch and only lost to Mongers from a correct boardroom decision that awarded the Entebbe side a walkover. Having lost to Betway Kobs before the Christmas break, Rhinos bounced back with a commanding win over Buffaloes while Pirates have been in demolition mode since losing points to Mongers.
Rhinos, who defeated Heathens prior to their collapse against Betway Kobs will be looking to fell another giant in Pirates this campaign.
Saturday Fixtures
Heathens vs. Kobs - 4.30pm, Kyadondo
Pirates vs. Rhinos - 4.30pm, Legends
Rams vs Warriors – 2.30pm, Makerere
Impis vs Mongers – 4.30pm, Makerere
Jinja Hippos vs Bufalloes – 4.30pm, Jinja