Kobs star Joseph Aredo was named MVP as his side won the opening circuit of the Guinness 7s dubbed Mileke 7s over the weekend at Legends Grounds in Kampala. He was awarded with a cash prize of Sh250,000 and a trophy.
Aredo was crucial for his side through out the tournament. His conversion helped Kobs beat Heathens 21-19 in the semis and he also managed to utilize all the three extras in his side’s 21-17 victory over Black Pirates in the finals.
Aredo now delights in helping his side get off the mark in the opening circuit as they seek to retain the title albeit other top sides eager to relieve them of it.
“It is a great feeling and helps us focus to work harder and better.
I think we just played our brand of rugby and to the best of our abilities,” Aredo said adding that; “there is no easy game and they (Pirates and Heathens) brought their best game, we respect it and it was great to see rugby back.
The boys are happy with their results but we work to play better.”
Mileke 7s started in 2019 and it’s played in honor of rugby parents Patrick and Deborah Mileke who are parents to rugby playing trio of Joseph, Gabriel and Erasmus Aredo. Unfortunately Mr. Patrick Mileke passed away months after the inaugural edition.
Joseph Aredo who is one of the rugby playing children of the Millekes says that it’s a great honor to have his family honored in a National Rugby 7s circuit.
“It is a great honor and a chance for us to celebrate dad and his love for the sport. This time we were about to celebrate other legends of the sport too,” Aredo added.
Rugby legends who were honored at the Mileke 7s (hosted by Warriors) were; The Late Henry Rujumba, The Late Edward Kitaka, Seguya Robert, Helen Koyokoyo Buteme, The Mudoolas (Fred, Timothy and Charlotte Theresa Mudoola) and Allan Musoke.
After one outing, Kobs lead the Guinness 7s with 22 points, three ahead of Pirates. Heathens who beat Buffaloes 17-14 in the 3/4 placement fixture are third with 17 points, two ahead of the latter.
The next event of the Guinness 7s (Northern Circuit) will be held on Saturday, 9th October in Gulu. It will be hosted by local outfit Elephants.
Guinness 7s – 2021 schedule.
1st Leg : 2nd & 3rd October. Warriors/Legends (Central Circuit). Winners: Kobs
2nd Leg: 9th October. Gulu Elephants/Gulu grounds (Northern Circuit)
3rd Leg: 16th October. Soroti. Rangers/ Soroti grounds (Eastern Circuit)
4th Leg: 30th&31st October. Black pirates/ King’s Park (Central Circuit)
5th Leg: 6th November. Rams RFC/ Kabale Stadium (Western Circuit)
6th Leg: 13th&14th November. BSO/Legends (Central Circuit)
