Three weeks ago, Betway Kobs parted company with Italian coach Mirko Dal Molin after a shaky start to the season, which saw his team lose to Rimula Rhinos 34-20 for the first time in the league in as many years.
To arrest the decline, Kobs turned to their former player, Edmund Tumusiime. This was to steady the ship for the 2015/2016 Nile Special rugby league defending champions, as he commandeered from the touchline. However, he has now decided to play too, and practice what he preaches.
He did that in style last weekend, when he named himself amongst the substitutes. And in the real Tumusiime of old fashion, he came on for Davis Kiwalabye in the second half and made two tries, which aided Kobs to a 47-7 win.
This was the first time since 2012, that Tumusiime was donning the Kobs jersey again. Because of a job posting to Mozambique while working for Orange telecom, he stopped showcasing his fly-half skills for his beloved Kobs.
Tumusiime explained his return to playing this time: “This is largely a young side; so, I will be chipping in time to time and use my experience to help the team win.”
However, basing on the way Kobs have been playing since the beginning of this season, Tumusiime may prove to be more handy than many may have anticipated.
James Ijongat, who has been Kobs’ mainstay fly-half this season, has had his struggles in what is such a pivotal role for any team. A fly-half has to orchestrate play and coordinate the team’s movement by passing the ball into areas, where a team can hurt the opponent. And this is one of the areas where Kobs have not flourished as much, especially when they are under pressure.
For example, earlier this season, Ijongat missed six penalties against Pirates. Although Kobs eventually won 11-8, they lived dangerously throughout the game because of fluffing good opportunities to extend their lead.
And that is where Tumusiime can be instrumental, seeing how efficient he can be in making tries to pile on the points. That is something Kobs needs, to keep alive their title defence hopes. Indeed, his tenure has been good so far.
He started off with a comprehensive 67-3 win over Makerere Impis at the Graveyard, which was followed by a spirited win over Pirates before Mutoni Warriors came crashing down last weekend.
This win moved Kobs into second place for the first time this season, after usurping Pirates, who lost 13-28 to table leaders Heathens. Joseph Aredo feels things are looking better for Kobs, and they are determined to give Heathens a real fight. Heathens remain five points ahead of Kobs, as the league takes a three-week break.
But with the return to the Kobs fold of Tony Luggya, who scored his team’s only try against Pirates, after a long-term injury, Cyrus Wathum and Alfred Karekaho, Kobs, who are on 28 points, are soaring with renewed belief.
hakinolan92@gmail.com