Bamburi Super Series hit top gear

By BS MULAVI

After three thrilling weeks of action packed matches in Uganda and Kenya, focus shifts to the RFUEA Ground for the semi-finals of the Bamburi Super Series.

In what is billed to be a weekend of battle between grown men, after the ‘boys’ were eliminated in the group stages, fans are bracing for a fierce contest with the Champs Rhinos taking on Ruwenzori in the first semi of the day at 2:00 p.m., while the Nguvu Sharks take on Cheetahs.

Sharks’ coach Mitch Ocholla has expressed his confidence in his young side having the capacity to overcome the marauding Cheetahs who are yet to lose a match in this year’s tournament. "we can’t wish for an easier match because in the end a semi final is still a semi final and you will have to work your socks off," he said.

"we are prepared for what they are about to throw at us in terms of their forwards and fortunately we have been playing matches against sides that have very big forwards, so I think we have learnt quite a lot and we can cope after all the practice and the few changes we will be making," he added.

The indomitable Cheetahs who are the top try scorers by this stage of the tournament, look like very strong contenders to challenge the defending Champs Rhinos this year for the title but first they will have to overcome the obstacle that is the Sharks who survived a very difficult pool that also had last year’s finalists the Lions.

The second match of the day, will see the Rhinos take on Ruwenzori at 4:00 p.m. in what is expected to be an easy match for the champs. Ruwenzori have not been convincing en-route to the semi, having lost by a 49-0 margin to Cheetahs and having beaten Victoria and Buffaloes by slender margins in the group stages.

However the Rhinos have not been exceptional in terms of how they play, even though their experience has given them the edge over their opponents thus managing to grind out tight victories even when faced by worthy opponents.