The two favourites to gain promotion to Uganda Rugby Premiership are going to meet this Saturday at Makerere Rugby Grounds, the Graveyard.
For Makerere Impis, this is a quest to return to the top, while for the Kakira Simbas, a first crack at the big boys’ league is the goal.
Both sides went unbeaten in Round 1 of the competition, and whichever team wins this fixture has one foot in the league.
The Kakira Simbas are a project in progress, with promotion to the premiership being the next box to tick. Their squad boasts experienced players like Gracious Makita, Meddy Mapesa and Maxwell Ebonga, signings from fellow Eastern side, Jinja Hippos, in addition to homegrown talent and Kenyan players. The team is coached by Saidi Atibu, formerly with the Hippos as well.
In the green camp, the squad has remained largely unchanged throughout the season. The more senior players like Pius Mpoza have provided much-needed leadership on the pitch, an attribute that has rubbed off on the younger players like Matthew Musasizi and Brian Ngabo.
The task at hand for Impis now is to prepare this young group of players for the pressures of top-flight rugby, and this is the stage to do just that.
The stakes are high for both teams. Losing this match means going into the third and final round of the promotional playoffs needing a win, and nothing less.
On the other hand, the Gulu City Falcons and the KIU Crows shall both be looking for a first win in the tournament, and whoever wins shall apply pressure to whoever loses in the Graveyard fixture.
Fixtures | Saturday, 31st May
- Makerere Impis Vs Kakira Simbas – Makerere Graveyard
- Gulu City Falcons Vs KIU Crows – Gulu