Fitness race for Buffaloes fly half ‘Bikamba’

Remera Buffaloes coach Gerard Nsenga is awaiting news on injury victim Louis Bikamba ahead of this weekend’s Hima-Mak 10s International rugby tournament in Kampala, Uganda.

The fly half suffered severe knocks on his right knee during a training session on Monday and until yesterday looked unlikely to make the Kampala trip.

He’s a concern,” said Gerard. "We think it’s more serious than we first thought,” Nsenga told Times Sport yesterday.

"We will monitor him over the next 24 hours and see how he goes. If he’s fine, we will play him. If he’s not, we won’t risk him.”

Bikamba’s injury is a new blow for the national league champions who are already sickened by the fact that they will be without their top seven players in Kampala. The seven will stay behind to prepare for next week’s national advanced exams.

"They can’t travel because they are preparing for their final exams. It’s a big blow for the team,” Nsenga expressed his frustrations.

"It’s going to be a lot tougher than I thought. We are playing probably the best clubs in the region in our pool and we needed to have our best players out there,” he added.

While Gerard is under pressure to make changes, he is hoping the club’s impressive run in last month’s Prinsloo Nakuru 7s will lift his side.

"It’s a quick turnaround for us but we have to get into it quickly and make sure we are fully prepared for the weekend,” Nsenga urged his side.

Buffaloes are drawn in the toughest pool (A) alongside champions Mwamba from Kenya, Ugandan giants (Kobs) and minnows Nile.

Mwamba beat Uganda’s MTN Heathen en route lifting last year’s title but expect a tougher contest this year. 16 teams from Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda are fighting for the title.

The two-day tournament is organised by Hima Impis Rugby Club and sponsored by Hima Cement. The finals are scheduled for Sunday at Kyadondo.

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