Heathens’ Ssebuliba getting finer as wine

When Lawrence Ssebuliba was announced as the best male player at the conclusion of the Rujumba 7s rugby circuit at King’s park, Bweyogerere on Sunday, July 23, it felt like it was a long time coming.

Ssebuliba has for the last couple of years proved to be quite instrumental to Heathens’ cause. In fact, it was strongly believed that the failure for Heathens to win 7s circuits more frequently than not, is what undid Ssebuliba.

Yet, what is not in doubt is the quality of Ssebuliba, who, as he closes in on two decades playing rugby in the top flight, is proving to be getting better with age. Each time one watches Ssebuliba in action over the last two years, the level of his performances keeps going a notch higher.

TV commentator Jermaine Egesa refers to him as the speed train because of how easily he leaves opponents in his wake. It does not seem a crazy idea having Ssebuliba in a 100-metre race with the current Olympics champion, Marcel Jacobs who is from Italy.

But beyond that, Ssebuliba’s ability to keep a high level of importance in Heathens, as a key finisher of their moves at the level of much younger players like Nobert Okeny, has left many rugby fans in awe of the man.

Heathens coach Muhammed Athiyo said: “Ssebuliba really works hard. But his dedication goes to another level. He puts in a lot. And that is the reason why he is proving to be that good.”

Nonetheless, it remains surprising how Ssebuliba, who broke his arm in 2018, can be back with the kind of impact he has showcased.

“Truthfully, when I returned from injury, there was more of a psychological threat than a physical one on me.”

Essentially after a long time out, Ssebuliba feared to get into challenges. But after time, he weathered that fear. That has put him on a path of revival. In fact, his displays have apparently also brought ideas to the national 7s coach, Tolbert Onyango, who wants him back to the set-up.

Unfortunately, the work schedule that Ssebuliba has to deal with makes it difficult for him to commit to such a proposal. For many years, Ssebuliba served both the 7s and 15s national teams. And without doubt, he can still serve with top performances.

Notably, Ssebuliba has also gone ahead to evolve his game. While he is profoundly known as a winger, the player who finishes off moves, Ssebuliba, as seen over the weekend, has become a top defensive player to great effect.

The good defensive display of Heathens inspired their success at King’s park, when they edged fierce rivals Kobs 12-10 in the final, albeit with some controversial decisions going their way.

Kobs were left feeling hard- done. But as action moves on for the fourth round of the rugby 7s championship in Fort Portal this weekend July 29 to 30, Heathens, who last won it in 2013, will be hoping that Ssebuliba (scored eight tries so far) continues in the same form, to complete back to back circuit victories, to bridge the gap Pirates had created earlier.