Nile Special Uganda Premier Rubgy Union League Set for Kickoff

The 2011 Nile Special Premier Rugby Union League kicks off this weekend at 4 different venues in Kampala and Jinja.Last season MTN Heathens were run away leaders of the league with only one loss, G4S Pirates came second with UTL Kobs a close third. Entebbe Mongers, Rhinos, Impis, Nile and Buffaloes completed the rest of the table in that order.

In the Nile Special Press conference for the 2011 league the sponsors confirmed there will be UShs 11.5 million in cash prizes this year for all top performers with the league winners walking away with Ushs 5 million cash, runners-up Ushs 3.5 million, MVP and fair team play Ushs 1 million while golden boot and top try scorer will share Ushs 1 million. Nile Special will also provide playing kit for all the Premier league clubs as part of their Ushs 168 million sponsorship package for the league this year. Nile Special are also set to continue their partnership with Fanzone in activation of the league games a bid that is aimed at creating a greater connection to the fans of the games for all ages,shapes and sizes.

MTN Heathens vs Toyota Buffaloes


Muzei Gaso in Charge, can he still handle!!!
The scores in this fixture last year was a resounding 52-09 win for Heathens that set the tone for the rest of their season. Though this derby is always expected to be a one sided affair it has never been short of drama and passion as big brother takes on little brother. MTN Heathens had a poor end to their season with many injuries and fatigue that has affected their usually well attended and physical off season preparations. Heathens worrying off season form continued with failure to honour a request to host Kenyan champions Harlequins and Super Cup opponents Kobs due to unavailability of players.

Despite this Heathens are expected to still be able to secure a comfortable win over Buffaloes. Under U19 Safari 7′s winning coach Otte Omunyide appears to have gone AWOL and former KK Stallions coach Andrew Owor will be at the helm of the youngest side in the league with many fresh 18 year olds from their junior side Buffaloes 2 waiting to get a baptism of fire in the Nile special premier league as they look to change their fortunes. Heathens notable signings are former national team fly half Joel Kimuli from Pirates, U19 national team fly half Jasper Bascut Ochen from Buffaloes and former Heathen Dennis Mulo from Impis.

Prediction: Heathens win by 30 points

Nile vs G4S Pirates

This fixture last year was won by Pirates 34-10.What was shocking was hitherto hapless whipping boys Nile managed to put 2 tries past Pirates and at half time had matched the Kampala based team. Nile showed a small improvement with a lot of tenacity and rough play making them an awkward team to face for most sides. Under Canadian coach player Joe Scale they eventually ended the league in 7th position climbing form 8th position the previous year. Pirates once again have been the busiest in the transfer window and have made several administrative changes in their quest for a first ever league title.

Coach Sam Ahamya has been relieved of his duties and replaced by Brian Makalama whom many have taunted as the person most likely to land them their first league silverware. Pirates have signed many players from Impis including Kenyan duo Marlon Ondiegi, Juma Hillary, Rodney ”Tirod” Turyatemba , Rugumayo Wiggy among others. Nile on the other hand have lost many players.

Prediction: Pirates should have an easy away win by over 50 points away in Jinja

Rhinos vs UTL Kobs

In this fixture last year Kobs romped to an easy 32 nil win.Rhinos may have lost in the first round but their steady improvement showed as Kobs only managed a 15-3 win in the return fixture. Rhinos finished the league like a steam train climbing to 5th position. However Rhino’s lack of sponsorship saw them struggle the rest of the season and it is uncertain which Rhinos will show up this weekend. Kobs ended the season in 3rd position but finished their calendar year on a high winning the Uganda Cup and reaching the Mak Hima 10s finals.

They also defeated a select barbarians side to win the Super Cup.Kobs have prepared very well in the off season and are talking big about reclaiming the league they lost to Heathens in 2009. Under new coach Ronnie Lutakome-who replaced Herbert Wafula-there has been a breath of fresh air and with talk of former coach Fred ‘Garlic’ Mudoola returning from a ban this year there is a new sense of self belief in the KRUFC based club. Kobs notable new signing is lock Ambrose Kakuru from Entebbe Mongers and sensational Under 19 MVP Justin Kimono from Namilyango College.

Prediction: Kobs should win this contest by 15 points

Makerere Impis vs Entebbe Mongers

Vision Voice sponsored Makerere Impis host the fishermen from Entebbe in what should be the most competitive match this weekend. Mongers triumphed over Impis 16-03 in this delayed match last year. Impis will relish playing infront of their vociferous home fans while the physical Mongers will look to be spoilers. Impis despite loosing many players believe they are still competitive but will have to do something drastic about their lightweight forward line. Mongers on the other hand have landed Sadolin Paints as lead sponsors. Kit and cash money have been promised to the fishermen which should boos their season. In previous seasons Fanzone have subsidized Entebbe Mongers.This fixture may however be postponed as the uinversity students are on holiday

Prediction:This game could go either way but Mongers might edge this one by a penalty.