The 2024 Nile Special Rugby (Men’s) Championship concluded on Saturday evening with Platinum Credit Heathens winning the title. Eighty-three matches were played in sixteen weekends by up to 720 players from the twelve participating teams.
I have selected just fifteen men who, in my opinion, were either consistently the best in their respective positions and/or simply made me happy watching them.
- Alema Ruhweza (Pirates)
- Nathan Bwambale (Pirates)
- Fahad Maido (Hippos)
In addition to meeting the basic requirements of their positions (scrummaging), this front row combines heavy ball carrying and unbelievable work rate off the ball.
- Julius Opio (Hippos)
- Frank Kidega (Pirates)
My second row is for the lineouts. And no better men than Julius Opio and Frank Kidega. Kidega was, in my view, the hardest tackler in the championship.
- Morgan Odoch (Heathens)
- Andrew Odhiambo (Hippos)
- Benjamin Muwanguzi (KOBs)
The back row positions are commanded by award winners, if I were responsible for presenting them. Morgan Odoch, who switched from Buffaloes to Heathens was the best signing of the season. Hippos’ captain Andrew Odhiambo was the season’s top try scorer with thirteen tries. Benjamin Muwanguzi, playing his first season with KOBs in his form six vacation, was the rookie of the season.
But if these positions were not heavily stacked like this, my pick for blindside flanker wouldn’t have gone beyond Rhinos’ Moses Ali. Ali was such a delight to watch and is my honourable mention on this team.
- Pool Kalungi (Rhinos)
- Ivan Magomu (Pirates)
My choices for the halfback partnership are guided by the desire for my team to play quick balls off the breakdown.
- Michael Wokorach (Heathens)
- Innocent Gwokto (Heathens)
Michael Wokorach was deployed in two positions; eighth-man and center. When he paired with Innocent Gwokto in the midfield, especially for the “big” matches, the two provided stability for Heathens to dominate their opponents.
11. Robin Odrua (Mongers)
15. Malcolm Okello (Heathens)
14. Brighton Bakasa (Hippos)
Because, generally, most teams in the championship did not manage the kick chase well, a back three who are good under the high ball and on counterattack will always punch holes through their defences. Okello and Bakasa were devastating in those moments, setting up scoring opportunities for their teams and Odrua’s boot kept Mongers out of trouble.
