Hippos face biggest test yet as Pirates come knocking
The Bweyogerere-based side have their work cut out for them after their loss to KOBs last month, but the Hippos pose a similar threat, albeit at home this time round.
Much to everyone's surprise, the Jinja Hippos are top of the log after a blistering start to the league season. File Photo
Faith Kiai
Journalist @New Vision
Nile Special Rugby Premier League
Men
Pirates v Hippos – 4pm
Mongers v Heathens – 4pm
Eagles v Walukuba – 4pm
Victoria v Rhinos – 4pm
Warriors v Buffaloes – 4pm
KOBs v Elgon Wolves – 2pm
Women
She Wolves v Black Pearls – 2pm
Ewes v Avengers – 4pm
Pirates have a chance to snap the Hippos’ winning start to the season when they visit Kings Park for a top-of-the-table clash in the Nile Special Rugby Premiership on Saturday. There is a lot at stake for both teams, but the most important thing at the moment is securing the top spot ahead of the playoffs.
“We have had to work on our weaknesses as well as perfect our strengths in recent weeks. Pirates are a good side that can hurt you if you make lots of mistakes. We are training to improve on our overall play to reduce mistakes—not only for the Pirates game but also for the entire season,” said Hippos’ captain David Wako.
The Bweyogerere-based side have their work cut out for them after their loss to KOBs last month, but the Hippos pose a similar threat, albeit at home this time round.
They cannot afford to allow the Hippos to score early and establish a lead because they are a tenacious side that will look to gain whatever advantage they can.
Pirates, on the other hand, are a side on a mission, with ambitions to remain top and win the league altogether.
Heathens will try to snap their three-match losing streak when they travel to Entebbe for a match against the Mongers.
The last three matchdays have been a total disaster, and this weekend will give the defending champions something to chew on. Entebbe is never the ideal team to face when the chips are down, but a win could get Heathens back to winning ways.
In the women’s league, the Black Pearls will travel to Mbale for an encounter with the She Wolves as they look to stretch their lead at the top of the table. They currently have a five-point lead over the second-placed Thunderbirds.
The other women’s encounter involves the Ewes and Avengers, which will take place at The Graveyard. The Ewes are currently sixth in the seven-team table, while the Avengers are fourth.