A 24-21 win against Hana in their backyard was not enough to secure a semi-final spot for the reigning National and East African champions.
Namilyango had earlier relinquished their hopes at the playoffs after losing to Smack last weekend in a do-or-die thrilling encounter where the reserve flyhalf slotted in a last-minute penalty to hand the weevils a 23-24 win over their arch-nemesis.
In the other pool, Budo defeated Macos to finish top of their table. As it stands, the Red Lions will be tussling it out with Hana for a shot at the league title.
FIRST SEMI-FINAL
Budo look to their “wrecking ball” loose forward – Benjamin Muwanguzi to take them into the finals and consequently win the league title.
After scoring 21 tries in the regular season, Benjamin is tipped to set an all-time try-scoring record in the schools league. Budo last won the league in 2010, and they seek to sweep a treble, as all their teams (U15, U17, and U20) qualified for the semis.
They face a wounded Hana that suffered a loss earlier in the week at the hands of the fumblers. The team based in Nsangi will miss a few key players due to injury and also disciplinary suspension.
However, they boast of Malcolm Okello, the former captain of the National U20 team to spin straw into gold and lead them into the final.
Not carrying their eggs in one basket, Hana will hope their exciting winger and finisher Otim Daniels is in his fine form to multiply his score tally.
SECOND SEMI-FINAL
In the second semi, Smack takes on Macos. After exhibiting phenomenal rugby in the group stages, the single boys from Kisubi are the favorites to clinch the spot in the final.
Reaping from a project he started last year in the third term, Smack coach Alvin Nkamba believes Macos can’t be underestimated. “It’s going to be a hard game. They’ve had good results in their group.”
“They are EA rugby medalists so it can’t get any easier. Haven’t had a chance to watch them play, but I’m told they have a very good 9 that knows what to do.”
Kwame Asiimwe, who’s the Macos scrumhalf has been very pivotal to the team’s success. He’s the closest likeness we have to Les Bleus and World Player of the year Antoine Dupont. Trust him to create a spark when his team is deep in the rain.
“We are prepared physically and mentally. We want to use this opportunity to show how many characters we have, and that we are worthy of a seat on the big table,” remarked Macos coach – Arnold Musaazi.
The semis are slated for this Sunday at the Makerere Graveyard. Kick-off is as early as 8 am.
- U15:
SMACK Vs MACOS- 8:00 am
NGO Vs Kings College- 9:40 am - U17:
SMACK Vs MACOS- 11:20 am
NGO Vs Kings College- 12:50 - U20:
SMACK Vs MACOS- 2:15 pm
HANA Vs Kings College- 4:10 pm
Photo Credit: Rugby Union Media
