Yasin Waiswa‘s consistent presence and performance at flyhalf (10) has given Jinja Hippos a spark of hope in fighting the big three, with the wily playmaker at the centre of their good form.
While injuries and national team call-ups weakened the Hippos’ sevens squad, Waiswa got more game time and the youngster showed his strength in game management, breaking lines, and picking points off his boot.
Despite the stumble in their sevens campaign, the Jinja-based side has kicked off their Uganda Cup campaign with great results starting with a 55-0 score against the Gulu Falcons and the 16-all draw against the Rhinos and in both games Yasin Waiswa was pivotal.
Waiswa, whose journey began at the Kiira Crocs – a feeder team for the Jinja Hippos, is pivotal to the future of the fly half position in his team and the Rugby Cranes.
He has been seen not only directing traffic on the pitch but also building up his resume as a quality goal kicker.
Dream of playing for the Rugby Cranes
In a recent interview, Waiswa was asked whether his Rugby Cranes aspirations are to fill the fly-half role.
“I am a young player who is learning from the greats like Ivan Magomu and it doesn’t matter, all I have to do is put in the work and the coach will see when it is right to have me on, but my only prayer is to represent my nation one day.”
While his goal-kicking prowess has come as a surprise to many he revealed that he is used to the pressure that comes with the kicking tee.
“Having been inspired by Handre Pollard to start putting the ball between the poles, I was a fly half and a goal kicker growing up and I admired him from the 2019 World Cup, and seeing him turn up in 2023 will push me to more levels this season.
“I am doing all the extras off the pitch and giving in a lot of time with the tee and I believe I will make my national team debut at 10, one day,” he added.
Courtesy Photo
