MTN Heathens are on course to win a record 11th title and a fifth successive crown if they overcome Toyota Buffaloes in an epic Nile Special Super 8 Rugby final at Kyadondo ground.
Heathens are out right favourites but Buffaloes, a fast-rising young agile side plot to spoil the former’s party.
“This is the time when you think they will want to come and surprise everyone,” warned Heathens’ coach Brian Tabaruka.
That would be quite a milestone. Veteran Robert Seguya, a former Heathen has been the heart of Buffaloes.
“All we need is confidence,” he said. Seguya, arguably Uganda’s best ever rugby player, moved to Buffaloes at the start of last season.
For a side that survived relegation only three years back, the two-time African champion has now triggered and put them closer to the podium ahead pre-tournament title contenders DMark Kobs and G4S Pirates.
He orchestrated Buffaloes’ charge a 22-20 victory over 10-time winners Kobs in the semifinal three weeks back. That was a second thumping Kobs were getting from the youngsters.
Phillip Pariyo and skipper Alfred Bijik have looked awesome especially in late games prior to Saturday afternoon’s encounter no wonder the latter will the 7s national side.
“I think we are at our peak.” Bijik said. “We want to keep on winning.” Pariyo told Kawowo Sports after scoring try and conversion that broke Kobs’ hearts inside the last ten minutes.
But they face a daunting task beating Heathens, a team that is yet to lose a game.
Both sides not only share the Kyadondo ground but Buffaloes have been the feeder side to the Yellow Machine. Players like Allan Okello, Jasper Ochen, Phillip Wokorach (injured) and Brian Kikawa have come from the strutures at Heathens.
“We are not giving them any chance,” Heathens’ scrumhalf Faizal Gamma warned moments after edging Pirates 12-3 in the semifinal.
Pirates play Kobs in a third-place playoff just two hours before the big one.
NILE SPECIAL RUGBY SUPER 8
FINAL – Heathens vs. Buffaloes (4.30 pm)
Third place play off – Kobs vs. Pirates (2.30 pm)