With the echoes of cheers still fresh at Kyadondo Rugby Club, Toyota Buffaloes captain Liam Walker had already shifted focus from celebration to preparation.
After masterminding one of the season’s big playoff upsets a gritty 17-7 victory over the highly favored KCB KOBs in the first leg of the Uganda Rugby Premiership quarterfinals, Walker wasn’t ready to rest on his laurels.
“We have to fix our weaknesses this week and be ready,” he warned, casting an eye toward the decisive return leg.
On a rain-drenched pitch, in a match where belief in the underdogs was scarce, the Buffaloes found strength in unity.
KOBs, the dominant force of the regular season and pitch on the day drew first blood through an Adrian Mutebi try, converted by Joseph Aredo. But Aredo’s two missed penalties opened the door and Buffaloes capitalized.
Walker’s penalty before halftime sparked a momentum shift. In the second half, Ronald Kanyanya bulldozed his way to a try that put the Buffaloes ahead. Then came the magic moment, Omara Raymond’s solo run from deep in his own half, slicing through defenders before dotting down under the posts. Walker’s boot did the rest. The scoreboard read 17-7. The shockwaves reverberated.
Yet even with a 10 point lead in their pockets, Walker isn’t fooled by the cushion.
“Ten points is nothing,” He said with characteristic calm.
“We know they’ll come at us even harder. They’re wounded now and wounded animals are dangerous. We must be better, mentally sharper and technically cleaner.”
His words carry weight. It’s the kind of level-headed leadership that fueled the Buffaloes’ transformation from seventh-seeded outsiders to playoff contenders with purpose.
“We played together as a team,” Walker reflected on the first leg.
“Defensively, we were solid. We stuck to a territorial game plan and made sure we kept the game in their half. That discipline gave us a foundation to build on.”
Buffaloes didn’t dominate possession or territory for large spells but what they lacked in control, they made up for in timing and intelligence.
“It comes down to decision making and experience,” Walker said.
“When the opportunity arises, you’ve got to jump at it. We did that and it worked out in our favor.”
And perhaps nothing fueled their fire more than the doubt cast over them heading into the playoffs.
“It’s been a tough season. We came in as the seventh seed. A lot of people had written us off,” Walker admitted. “But we used that. We spoke as a group and said, let’s prove them wrong.”
The conditions on the day only added to the chaos, soaked grass, slippery hands and countless handling errors but the Buffaloes adapted better.
“The conditions weren’t great,” Walker said. “But it was the same game for both sides. In those moments, it’s about who can stay calm and capitalize on the mistakes. Thankfully, we did.”
Now, with the second leg looming on April 12th, the question is whether the Buffaloes can do it again, this time with a target on their backs.
For Walker, the formula is clear: Fix the cracks, stay sharp and fight harder.
Because in knockout rugby, past victories mean little and only the team that’s ready for the next battle will survive.
The return legs will be played on Saturday, April 12th with aggregate scores determining which teams move on to the semifinals;
- Heathens Vs Victoria Sharks – Kyadondo | 4 PM
- KOBs Vs Buffaloes – Legends | 4 PM
- Jinja Hippos Vs Rhinos – Dam Waters | 4 PM
- Black Pirates Vs Walukuba Barbarians- Kings Park | 4 PM
