The Buffaloes have entered the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals as the tournament underdogs, but that’s a tag that shouldn’t define them.
Kyadondo side rightfully earned its place by finishing 4th in the Uganda Cup, just behind the KOBs, based on the losing points margin. They now face the Menengai Oilers, who are the losing finalists from last year’s Kenya-only Enterprise Cup.
This tournament provides an opportunity for the Buffaloes players to grow, develop and improve on their game. Although the Buffaloes have already been counted out by speculators, coach Charles Onen believes his herd has a lot of positives to pick.
“As Buffaloes, we’ve been preparing for this game and competition. We are really excited to be a part of it and we work towards making sure we can have an opportunity to develop and grow our players in such competitions,” Onen notes.
The Buffaloes go into Saturday’s game with great focus on their own advantages.
“As a coach, the target is to see how best we can work with our strengths, and see what we can do against other teams and then pick lessons from our opponents as well. They [Kenyan teams] tend to have more of a physical game, so we shall see how we match up against their physicality in terms of our defence,” says Onen.
The Buffaloes aren’t afraid of slaying giants, and they have already proven that in the Ugandan championship by defeating the Heathens. Just like they did in that game, the Buffaloes hope to be efficient against the Oilers.
“I think our defence is going to be tested so we need to capitalise on our attack and take advantage of our opportunities. It will be a tough competition and the most important thing is that our team will be put to test and we see their grit against a very competitive Kenyan side,” notes Onen.
Onen has a simple message for his players, most of whom are probably crossing the border for the first time as athletes.
“It’s that challenging stage that most players need to go through in their career. We shall definitely be tested mentally, especially when it gets harder and hotter,” he says.
“The other important thing is for the players to experience a new pitch, new weather, new referees, and a new environment.Our plan is to execute to our best, then the final result will tell how much we put in.”
Onen, who is also the Uganda Lady Cranes 7s coach, is grateful to the Uganda Rugby Union and the Kenya Rugby Union for making the return of the Enterprise Cup a reality.
“Well done to both Unions for pulling it off and I hope that this continues in the following years to come,” he remarks.