Kampala — Local rugby coaches are cautious but optimistic about their chances in the Hima-Makerere 10s tournament due November 8-9 at Kyadondo RFC.

It will literally be a mammoth battle between Uganda and Kenyan elite clubs to grab the increased top prize of Shs3.5m when the 16th edition gets underway.

With just 10 days to the showdown, hosts Makerere University Hima Impis who could easily be marked as a spent force have bared their fangs out and are banking on the return of 'prodigal son' in Coach Herbert Wafula for inspiration. "They tourney has attracted so many good teams but we are concentrating on building our strength. We are ready for anyone," said Wafula.

Impis face Wafula's former club G4S Pirates, Kenya's KCB and UCU-Mukono in Pool C earmarked with the 'Group of Death' tag. Fred Mudoola, who led the utl Kobs to the league and Cup double in his inaugural coaching season, is certain his side will reach the final. "I cannot complain about the draw. Mwamba is a big club but we shall take it one game at a time," said Mudoola.

Kobs are in Pool A alongside defending champions Mwamba RFC, Rwanda's Buffaloes and Jinja-based Nile RFC. If both Kobs and MTN Heathens (pool B) win their groups, they will clash at the quarterfinal stage.