Jinja Hippos’ fairytale charge to the 2025 Premiership final where they only fell to Black Pirates in extra time, was no accident.
It was the product of sustained investment in coaching, structure and continuity, foundations that matured under the late Robert ‘Soggy’ Seguya, who joined the project in 2019.
But the turbulence that followed their historic final appearance unsettled their Sevens campaign, and even when calm seemed restored, the wrangles resurfaced.
The team is now back under founder Jonan Manzi, yet the transition has not been without friction with several senior players have been slow to report, leaving visible gaps in the front row and on the bench throughout the Uganda Cup group stage.
Even then, the Hippos fought their way to the top of Group B with scores of 35-29 over Rhinos, 78-0 at home to Mbale Elephants and 38-33 over Gulu City Falcons plus a walkover against Warriors.
Their reward is a quarterfinal against Buffaloes in a clash between two clubs whose impressive growth is forever linked to Seguya’s influence.
And while today’s match is not officially dedicated to him, many Hippos supporters and sympathisers hope the occasion jolts the team back into full rhythm.
‘Settling and readiness are two different things,’ head coach Edmond Quaresma said.
‘We can say we’re ready, but not yet fully settled because we expect almost the same faces we’ve fielded recently. Still, we want to win and bring the vibe back with this fixture.’
Seeking momentum
At Kyadondo, defending champions Heathens host Rams in the day’s other fixture as they look to tighten their gears under new coach Tolbert Onyango.
His tenure has shown promising signs with a second-place finish in the Sevens series and Uganda Cup wins over Impis (29-6) and Kitgum Lions (57-6).
Their 35-17 performance against Victoria Sharks further suggested that the Heathens still possess the teeth to grind out results.
‘So far we’ve ticked a couple of boxes, with many more still unattended, but there’s good progress,’ Onyango said.
‘Rams are a youthful side who troubled us in the Sevens, and we expect no less in the 15s. The game should be fast-paced, and we have to manage that well.’
2025 UGANDA CUPSunday fixtures – 4pmHippos vs. Buffaloes – Ruck Yard, JinjaHeathens vs. Rams – Kyadondo