Kampala — MTN Heathens' training camp was fired up yesterday after six key Cranes players rejoined the squad ahead of the Hima Makerere 10s rugby tournament this weekend.

Robert Seguya, Michael Wokorach, Chris Lubanga, Brian Tabaruka, Mathias Ochwo and Brian Kikawa, returned from the IRB Sevens World Cup qualifier in Tunisia on Monday and joined training yesterday.

They six players were the backbone of the Uganda sevens team that were edged out of the World Cup qualifiers at the weekend.

Heathens fell to Mwamba in the final last year but hope to turn their fortune in this edition which has attracted 12 teams from Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.

"There's no problem of fatigue. We are actually very fit. We have played together for quite a long time so three days are enough for the team to blend," said Heathens' star player Seguya.

"It's going to be tough this year but we have got the experience and skill to measure up to the challenge."

Seguya explained that the Tunisia trip had given the young players international exposure.

"Young men like Wokorach had skill but now they have got some international experience as well. Watch out for Wokorach, he is going to be a star," Seguya observed.

Heathens main rivals are Kobs, who are drawn in Pool A together with champions Mwamba from Kenya, Jinja based Nile and Entebbe Mongers.

Kobs coach Fred Mudoola expressed Kobs' intention to add the Hima 10s to their league and Uganda Cup double.

"Kobs' main target has always been to win the league and other titles are just a bonus. We missed the sevens so we really want to take the Hima 10s as bonus this season," he said.

The two-day tournament is organised by Hima Impis Rugby Club and sponsored by Hima Cement. The finals are Sunday at Kyadondo.