Makerere shall tremble on Saturday, March 15 when two sleeping giants collide at the Makerere Rugby Grounds, The Graveyard.
The fixture between Makerere Impis and Life Guard Rams is arguably the most competitive and fierce rivalry in Ugandan rugby. However, this year’s derby is unique, as both sides find themselves in the regional championship, with multiple new charges in their folds.
Both teams are awake to the fact that this game can make or break their promotional aspirations.
“What makes this derby different and even more intense is that both teams are fighting to get back to top-flight rugby, it’s a decider on which team leads the table as we head into the playoffs,” noted Jude Rwakayanga, the Head Coach of the Rams.
The New Kids on The Block
Whereas Rwakayanga has three derby debutants in his squad, more than half the Impis team is taking part in this small Landlord-Tenant squabble for the first time.
On the preparedness of his charges, Coach Syrus Ssebuliba has noted; “It’s an introduction of the derby culture to new young lads in both teams. The energy is up there, they might not know much about the derby but they know what it stands for and what’s at stake here.”
For the Rams, Owen Atwiine, Savior Kuyu and Francis Ankunda are set to debut in the Graveyard Derby. “A good number of the squad have played the derby before and have mentally prepared the new ones on what to expect, they are ready.”
The atmosphere at the Graveyard is always electric when these two sides clash. The Rams have promised an “adrenaline-filled game” while the Impis are guaranteeing “the greatest, biggest and best derby” in Ugandan rugby.
Key Stats
- Current Form – 4 Wins in 4 Games for Both, Averaging a combined 53 points per game
- Last 5 Games – Impis 4 Wins, Rams 1 Win