On a day when the morning rains drenched the Legends Rugby Grounds in Naguru, the KOBs refused to let their dreams wash away.
With mud on their boots and fire in their hearts, the Kampala Old Boys pulled off a stunning 30-19 victory over the stubborn Buffaloes to clinch a coveted spot in the semifinals of the Uganda Rugby Premiership, all thanks to the steady leadership and sheer willpower of one man, Joseph Aredo.
Having lost the first leg 17-7, the KOBs were staring down a ten-point deficit. It wasn’t just about winning, it was about making a statement and covering the aggregate gap. And at home, under heavy skies and heavier pressure, they rose to the occasion.
From kickoff, KOBs came out flying. Aredo, ever the general on the pitch, orchestrated play with precision, leading by example. He scored a crucial try, nailed a conversion, and then with the game hanging in the balance, slotted home a last-minute penalty that would seal not just the match but the aggregate win as well on 37-36.
“We started off on a high,” Aredo said post-match, his jersey stained with effort and pride. “We ended the first half with a not-so-comfortable lead, but a lead is a lead.”
Buffaloes, determined not to be mere participants in KOBs’ comeback tale, fought back hard in the second half. The visitors clawed their way into contention, unsettling KOBs’ rhythm and tightening the aggregate margin. But where others may have panicked, Aredo rallied his teammates.
“The boys rallied together and decided to close out the game,” he added. “Much as it was in the last minute, they kept on putting on pressure so that we made sure we at least edged them in the average score.”
The turnaround from the first leg was no accident. KOBs went back to the drawing board, and it showed.
“In the first game, our fielding was bad,” Aredo admitted. “In this game, we tried to improve on it and then we let our forwards go and enjoy the game. Big ups to the boys, especially the forwards for their carries and meters gained.”
Despite the win, Aredo remains grounded. “I wouldn’t say comfortable. We have room to improve like any other team. Even the teams that put on high scores have room to improve.”
That kind of humility and hunger is exactly what makes KOBs a dangerous team heading into the semifinals.
With the likes of the Heathens, who progressed after a 10-all draw (adding to their 41-26 win in the first leg) and Black Pirates, who thrashed Walukuba Barbarians 36-09 for a 63-29 aggregate, competition will only get fiercer.
Meanwhile, Jinja Hippos completed the semifinal lineup with a commanding 32-19 win over Rhinos at the Dam Waters, ensuring the Rhinos’ campaign came to a disappointing end.
Semifinalists
- KOBs
- Heathens
- Black Pirates
- Jinja Hippos
