Platinum Credit Heathens captain Michael Wokorach believes the squad depth and versatility of players is a key element of his side’s set up as the 16-time record Nile Special Rugby League winners gear up for the playoffs.
Having won ten and drawn one of the eleven games played under the new league format, the side will look to win the inaugural title which will feature home and away quarter final and semi final ties before the ultimate decider.
“We have been trying out different positions for different players and we have not had a starting pack that has been consistent for three games so that means there is agility and versatility in the team. The team has about three players on the top scorers’ charts so it shows there is something good in the team,” Wokorach stated.
The playoffs are set to kick off this Friday and will run until Sunday for the opening round with top seeds Heathens facing Walukuba Barbarians, Jinja Hippos taking on Toyota Buffaloes, holders Stanbic Black Pirates will tussle it out against Rhinos while KCB KOBs are pitted against Plascon Mongers.
The Mohammad Athio led side saw off local rivals Toyota Buffaloes 27-18 over the weekend to seal top spot in a game where in form flyhalf Malcolm Okello contributed 17 points to extend his points tally to 86 for the season.
Despite the loss, Buffaloes vice-captain Ronald Kanyanya says focus now shifts to the playoffs as his side get ready to face an impressive Hippos side.
“It’s always a hard contest when we face Heathens but our heads are held high going into the playoffs. We have been kept learning and improving and the spirits are high,” Kanyanya reveals.
On the other hand, Heathens II went unbeaten to win the first ever Nile Special rugby reserve championship.
