It is not something that Heathens’ full-back, Joseph Oyet will ever forget.
But even before he came to that conclusion, what befell his team, when they met the Black Pirates in the regular season, was not something he had ever seen in rugby. For a team to be leading 31-09 against another with 20 minutes to play, then lose 31-33, still seems like horses flying, according to Oyet.
This Friday, April 25 at the Kyadondo rugby grounds in Lugogo, Oyet’s side host Pirates for the first leg of the 2025 Nile Special Rugby Premiership semi-final, with his mind fully focused on righting the wrongs of the recent past.
“It was unbelievable. It still is. For a great side like Heathens to be beaten in that manner. We have learnt our lessons, and cannot let that happen again,” Oyet said.
It was a truly incredible day of rugby, and probably one of the most dramatic and unforgettable events in the history of Ugandan rugby, particularly for the Pirates fans. Yet, even for the Heathens fans and players alike, it is hard to get it out of their heads, because it must have hurt like a big fall.
“At one point, we were riding high, cruising and confidently heading to the finish line,” Oyet, who scored the second Heathens try in that game, noted.
But as sport can be, Heathens slowed down and switched off, which allowed Pirates back. According to Oyet, they overlooked the fact that a game is played for 80 minutes, and ought to have concentrated on the tactical changes that Pirates made, when they brought on Desire Ayera and Steven Alul, among others.
In addition, Heathens coach, Muhammad Athiyo’s decision to remove Aaron Ofoyrwoth and Nicholas Kato appeared to affect the team’s flow, although it is said to have been a precautionary measure, as the two had picked up knocks in the game.
However, that is water under the bridge now. Heathens will have to focus on the herculean fight they have ahead of them, when Pirates walk onto that ground. Since the departure of prop Santos Senteza, for example, Heathens’ pack has had its struggles.
Yet, that is where Pirates boast of their major strength this season. Incidentally, Oyet noted that as Heathens, they must focus more on their own game, than worrying about Pirates.
According to Oyet, he is confident of Heathens’ quality. The return of experienced Micheal Wokorach and Lawrence Ssebuliba, both of whom have been among the pack, makes Heathens a formidable force.
No doubt, Heathens will try to use its backs more because of their agility and speed. Norbert Okeny, Claude Otema, Malcolm Okello and Dennis Etwau are a big danger to any opponent, once the ball gets to them.
Until the capitulation in the regular season match-up, Heathens had used its backs to great effect. Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, whose first leg will be in Jinja on Saturday, April 26, Jinja Hippos and KCB Kobs are expected to be match- up evenly. Like their regular season score of 23-22 in favour of Kobs, it, too, is close to call.