From whatever lenses one wears, the 61-19 defeat that Platinum Credit Heathens suffered at the hands of Kenya’s champions, Kabras Sugar was so humiliating last Saturday, March 21 at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku. Heathens are 16-time Ugandan record champions, with the KCB Kobs coming closest on 13 championships. On the basis of that, a more stern display was expected of them. On the other hand, although Kobs lost their clash to the Nondies of Kenya in Nakuru on the same day, the result 29-13 was not ear bursting. However, following mixed results the two sides registered, add the Toyota Buffaloes, who lost to Menengai Oilers 15-60, Kobs and Heathens meet this weekend, with a lot to mull over from the Enterprise Cup, in game week seven of the Nile Special Rugby Premiership. Kobs coach, Brian Makalama noted: “Whenever you play against tough opposition, they get you out of your comfort zone. On our side, we still have flaws in our game, that we must work on to become a better team. The Kenyans showed us that we have to improve our strength and conditioning if we are to make a mark in the games we play.” From the previous six match-days, Kobs have managed to win four. Although they have largely been competitive in most, their shortcomings still show in being able to play a solid game throughout the 80 allotted minutes. Drawing with the Victoria Sharks and Impis making their meeting a real contest, points to the need for more work according to Makalama. Heathens are not expected to be easy pickings for Kobs. But probably more manageable than the Kenyan opposition was. The same feeling will expectedly be shared by Heathens about the Kobs with whom they drew in the league last season at Kyadondo. This time, they are across the road at Legends. Yet, considering the table standings, the two teams are not separated by much. Heathens have lost twice so far, which on the basis of form, Kobs has an edge. Perhaps, it is that fine margin that makes their encounter tantalizing. But maybe what is more crucial going forward, is aspiring to reach greater heights of the Kenyans, than the joy of winning a one-off league game. It is not for certain that the Pirates on the other hand are fully there, following their 11- 10 victory over Kenyan side, KCB Rugby. They will need to do it more consistently to assure many. Nonetheless, the fact that Pirates dug in to nullify the Kenyan side, even by one point, is a step in the right direction. In addition, Makalama said: “We need to understand that winning rugby games does not only depend on have the skills to offload or fake your opponent. But because this is a contact sport, we must be strong to make sure we are solid in the tackle and immovable in the pack.” It was glaringly clear how much Heathens suffered in that regard against Kabras. The failed tackles were oftentimes as a result of not being strong enough to stop a speeding opponent, clearly stronger than you. So, an attitude change to gym training is what is needed, according to Makalama. That said, the fall-out from the Enterprise Cup will probably have deeper discussions going forward as far as Ugandan rugby is concerned. But this weekend, Kobs, who are still recovering from the long journey from Nakuru, are more disadvantaged compared to Heathens, who played at home. Heathens coach, Tolbert Onyango hopes to have Aaron Ofoyrwoth and Nicholas Kato fully fit, to try and counter Stuart Mwayi and Joseph Aredo, who had an injury and missed the Nondies clash. This is a game that is well laid out to be a backs contest, and may be, lots of penalties, for Heathens Malcolm Okello and Kobs’ Rasul Abiriga are expected to have sharp boots to score them. Okello and Abiriga played key roles in their teams’ Enterprise Cup clashes by scoring crucial points. But the other subplot will be between the two players that crossed the divide recently. Scott Oluoch left Heathens for Kobs, while Julius Opio left Kobs for Heathens. Their tackles, contribution during line-outs and ball carries should make a difference, as losing in back-to- back weekends will not suffice for either club. nsimbe.jv@gmail.comThe post Moving on from a gruelling Enterprise Cup, to Kobs and Heathens fixture appeared first on The Observer.