AFTER a string of weak performances over the last three seasons, everyone apparently felt Simba Rugby Club should be hurting to make amends this year. However, new coach Joseph Bugabo has expressed his disappointment with the poor turn up during training sessions. “The players have been very disappointing as far as turning up for training is concerned, yet, when I see the way they play without basics like boots, I feel I can’t abandon them,” he said. He also pointed out that many of the players are day scholars while others are casual labourers and motor-cyclists, who might not have all the time to themselves. “They are yet to believe in themselves. But they could start with turning up for the sessions.” Since 2006, the Kanombe-based club has been languishing at the wrong end of the league table. In the lone game that Simba has played this season, it suffered the heaviest defeat in the history of Rwandan rugby in form of 120-0 against Sharks although Bugabo had his reservations. “The score sheet might look like Simba was not on the pitch but they made some brilliant tackles and actually won so many turnovers,” he said. Simba has often lost players but Bugabo, who played top level rugby in the Uganda rugby league with LG Rhinos, Kobs and Makerere Impis, is optimistic that the club will be worth its name soon. “Our immediate plan is to make sure that we play all our league games as we also try to rebuild the team,” club president Celestin Nzaramba concurs. Before joining Simba, Bugabo was an integral part of the UNR Grizzlies which he helped found. He also led the varsity side to 3rd place finish in its debut season in 2007. Meanwhile, Remera Buffaloes have had a perfect start as they plot to retain the league title. The defending champions are comfortably seated at the top of the table with eight points after back to back wins over Grizzlies (95-0) and Lion de Fer (96-7). Gorillas, Grizzlies and Sharks are all tied in second place with four points. Ends
