The Platinum Credit Heathens extended their Uganda Cup record against Kobs in the oldest and biggest rivalry in Uganda Rugby when the two sides met for the semi final at Legends Grounds on 13th Jan, 2024.

A late change of the the host venue from Kyadondo to Legends raised a few eyebrows, but the game approached, all seemed to have been forgotten.

The KCB Kobs started the game with so much fire scoring inside 3 minutes through Alhaji Manano who grounded the ball on a Pick and Drive.

The Kobs kept up the pressure, pressing and pushing the Heathens defense to the limit. They soon got another try, Alhaji Manano completing his brace after the Kobs had made a number of phases.

Ivan Otai was the causing all sorts of problems, slicing through the Heathens defense with such ease and the tries scored in the first half all came off his runs.

The Heathens managed to stay in the game, despite being on the back foot for almost the entire first half.

Tides changed just before the first half after the Kobs gave away a very cheap penalty, which the Heathens capitalized from, scoring a try and taking the lead.

The Heathens momentum carried forward in the second half, while the Kobs seemed to lose it for a moment conceeding 2 quick penalties.

Malcolm Okello made no mistake from the tee making it a seven point game. The Kobs however made it a 4 point game after converting a penalty through Josiah Ssempeke. Straight off the restart, Malcolm gathered and kicked it back but the chasers were infont of the kicker, a cheap penalty for the Kobs.

The momentum was still with the Heathens and they got yet another break through. Their defense managed to tightly press the Kobs and Michael Wokorach managed to charge down Joseph Aredo’s kick, getting the lucky bounce and the try.

More misery was yet to come for the Kobs after conceding yet another penalty and Malcolm Okello making it a 14 point game.

Just before the final whistle, the Kobs managed to pull one back through Justin Kimono but it turned out to be a mere consolation.

The Kobs Captain Gabriel Aredo spoke about their loss, “we forgot our game plan and it cost us”.

The Heathens will take on Rams in the Final on 20th Jan, with the venue yet to be determined.

The Rams will be looking to secure their first Uganda Cup trophy while the Heathens will be seeking their thirteen and another back to back.