Before last weekend’s Rujumba 7s, the Walukuba Barbarians seemed to be on a downward spiral. Having won the National 7s season Coronation 7s, the Barbarians came out second best in Gulu and then finished 4th at the Entebbe 7s, behind KOBs, Buffaloes and eventual winners, Heathens. But for head coach Leonard Lubambula, this raised no alarm bells.
Even though they didn’t win the Rujumba 7s, getting to the final was enough for the Barbarians to regain the top position of the National 7s series, half a target achieved, as foreshadowed by their gaffer.
“We are still in much contention, despite being second right now [before Rujumba 7s], from being on top of the table. It is now a three-horse race to the trophy, but we only need two or three more finals that we have to win,” Lubambula noted.
While most of us had our eyes glued on Wokorach, Sembusi and Bulima, some youngsters like Ahmed Ssekyanzi and Isa Luqman were doing the finishing on the wings. Fatigue seemed to kick in for this core of the Walukuba team, especially in the absence of the more senior players like Reuben Kagwisagye, Bob Kawanda and Edward Emiemu. While the aforementioned players have been missed, Kawanda returned for the Rujumba 7s and almost caused an upset in Bweyogerere.
Fatigue seemed to have kicked in for the squad we all assumed was thin, but then there arose players like Shafiq Mansour, who appeared fresh and ready to take on any team at the Rujumba 7s. Together with his teammates, they engaged an extra gear at Kings Park Arena, thanks to proper preparation in the week.
“We have put in more emphasis on our recovery protocols to make sure that the squad was ready for the Rujumba 7s and Kyabazinga 7s,” remarked Lubambula.
The Walukuba Barbarians now host the Kyabazinga 7s, with the privilege of not having to make the long trip on their way to achieving their National 7s dream.