Betway KOBs prop Collin Kimbowa remains positive that his side will turn the corner after a poor start to the National Rugby Premiership season.
The defending champions who won the 2021 title unbeaten, have already lost two of their opening three games this season.
They got off the mark with a deserved 46-05 win over Impis before back-to-back losses against title rivals Heathens (07-06) and Pirates (17-14).
Justin Kimono scored KOBSs’ only try on Saturday at Legends while Josiah Ssempeke added other points with the boot in a losing effort.
Haruna Muhammed (1 try), Ivan Magomu (3 penalties) and William Nkore (1 penalty) helped Pirates beat their rival.
“We did not stick to the plan as originally discussed during training so that we can avoid unaccounted tries and penalties for example the slow start at the beginning costed us a try which gave Pirates an advantage and yet we had a better starting team and bench,” Kimbowa told The-SportsNation.
Despite last season which was played under a one leg format, this season the league has returned to a home and away basis.
KOBs will not have time to rest as the league returns for matchday four in midweek – They will host Rams at 4pm.
Kimbowa adds: “The fact that we won last season unbeaten, it’s a bit absurd that we have only one win in three games but we promise to bounce back and claim what is ours so that our efforts to build the achieved legacy does not go to waste.
“We are going to build back our championship mindset so that we defend our title and also come together as a team to build a better strategy because it’s now or never.
“We are adding some more fitness and team bonding so that our play is in sync because it’s time to treat the remaining games as if they are our final. We are a good/ better team and we can still be champions.”
After three matchdays, KOBs find themselves in 5th place with 7 points while Heathens lead the standings with 14.
Saturday Results
•KOBs 13-17 Pirates
•Mongers 18-03 Warriors
•Hippos 05-38 Heathens
•Rhinos 08-06 Impis
•Rams 05-21 Buffaloes 21
Wednesday, January 26
•KOBs vs Rams – 4pm (Legends)
•Buffaloes vs Mongers – 2pm (Kyadondo)
•Heathens vs Warriors 4pm (Kyadondo)
•Pirates vs Impis – 4pm (Kings Park)
•Hippos vs Rhinos – 4pm (Dam waters)
