Now, let’s dive into the real meat of my season awards.
Player of the Season: Pius Ogena (Kobs)
It has taken close to a decade for an individual player to equal the league’s all-time try-scoring record. For Ogena, a forward by the way, to join the exclusive class of wingers Allan Musoke and Justin Kimono is no mean feat. That alone is enough for me to name Ogena my player of the season.
But do not make the mistake of thinking that Ogena got those twenty-two tries on a platter. Actually, he made breaking lines and tackles routine business on Saturday afternoon.
Coach of the Season: Marvin Odongo (Black Pirates)
In only his second year as head coach at Black Pirates, Marvin Odongo lost the Uganda Cup final and won the Premier League title. That’s not unprecedented success given that his counterparts at Kobs and Heathens do it every year, and that Saidi Atibu led Jinja Hippos to their first national title in history during the sevens series last year.
But even with his inexperience following in Musinguzi’s huge footsteps, Odongo this year has steered a highly efficient ship to deliver the Sea Robbers’ first title at their home Kings Park. And they were entertaining to watch too. Pirates tasted defeat only once and conceded more than ten points on nine occasions; both season-best performances.
Breakthrough Player of the Season: Gift Wokorach (Walukuba Barbarians)
This award goes to the most outstanding player younger than twenty-three years and has played in at least nine matches (half of the season). You can’t look past Gift Wokorach for this one.
Wokorach was Walukuba’s playmaker in the number ten jersey, expressing himself against the “big boys” in ways none of his peers could match. And he was good off the boot too. His nine penalties, six conversions and three drop-goals put him within the top ten kickers of the season.
All that and more, Wokorach did in his first year in the top flight. Maybe there’s something in the name!
My Award for Try of The Season goes to Rams’ Kenneth Onekalit Obito’s finish in the corner against Buffaloes in a thrilling 15-13 match. It was a well-worked team try that lifted everyone at The Graveyard, Makerere onto their feet.
Aaron Ofoyrwoth’s forty-metre drop goal in the very last play against Kobs at Legends takes my I’m Him award of the season.
Community Team of the Season: Walukuba Barbarians
This award goes to the individual and/or organisation who have contributed significantly, off the playing field, to positive change within their community.
I give this award to Walukuba Barbarians for making a difference in Jinja City (and Eastern Uganda in general) with regard to the sport. Walukuba is what Jinja City needed for rugby to evolve outside Kampala. More schools, especially girls, have embraced rugby and are now competing strongly in regional and national competitions.
Special thanks to all players who took time off to coach their respective schools during the nationwide schools’ league games and the USSSA National Ball Games in Mbarara City.
Good Vibes of the Season: Jinja Hippos Fans Club
With their drums and cultural dance crew, songs and chants, proudly wearing replica jerseys and waving team flags, Jinja Hippos has had the most animated fans club this season. Home or away, they have consistently turned up to support their team in numbers and maintained the same vibrant energy whether winning or losing.
It has not been all din and cacophony with their loud vuvuzelas, however. Jinja Hippos Fans Club leaders have been organised – in assembling travelling fans and showing up for their team, and accountable – in bringing to book one of their own who attempted to assault a visiting team’s player. Also, in everything you do, spare some time to fear their Twitter admin.
