Emotional Athiyo bids farewell as Onyango takes over Heathens

Nine years at the helm of the Heathens; five league titles, three Uganda Cups and one Rugby 7s title later, Muhammad Athiyo leaves the Kyadondo side a satisfied man.

Having joined the Heathens in the late 1990s as a young man, Athiyo has dedicated his life to the club, starting out as a player, then as a coach in 2016.

At the farewell breakfast organized by Heathens RFC and Kyadondo Rugby Club, various speakers heaped praise on the outgoing gaffer, with fellow coach, Charles Onen noting, “As a coach, you [Athiyo] have mentored these players on and off the pitch. The most important thing is life off the pitch because that is where we spend most of our time.”

He has been succeeded by Tolbert Onyango, who was his coach at Heathens, before the latter took on the role with Buffaloes RFC and ultimately the Uganda national 7s team. “Tolbert is a seasoned coach, he is my coach, I actually learnt from him, I’m sure he won’t find a hard time. However, if they [players] do give you a hard time, please call me,” Athiyo lightly reassured the incoming gaffer.

Onyango brings a wealth of experience to a Heathens team that is now transitioning to a new generation of younger players like Marvin Asaba and Sylvester Munguacel, but he’ll also have the benefit of seasoned veterans like Michael Wokorach, whose leadership shall come in handy when the team is gelling with him.

Athiyo now takes a break from active rugby and leaves as a happy man. “My greatest achievement in this game is the friendships that I’ve built, which to me is what I treasure the most. Not the accolades, not the trophies, but the friendships, the bonds, the camaraderie, we have developed as this club of Kyadondo and even across the board in Ugandan rugby,” noted Athiyo.

We are certain that this shall not be the last we see of Athiyo, who has, as recently as 2023, turned up on the pitch for the Stallions, in Ugandan Rugby. Best of luck, boss!

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