The Victoria Sharks have moved decisively to strengthen their forwards by signing Allan Olango, Willard Mungati and Arthur Mpande.
Last season, the Sharks often faded after the break, with a clear drop in intensity between the starting pack and the players coming off the bench. That imbalance made it difficult to control games and finish strongly.
The arrival of Mungati is expected to solve that problem. He adds depth and quality behind experienced campaigners Saul Kivumbi and Wilobo Mukili, offering reliable cover and the ability to maintain tempo when changes are made. While Vincent Sworo and Peter Bisaso have shown promise, Mungati brings a higher level of consistency and composure needed at the top level.
Olango’s signing adds a different edge to an already competitive loose-forward unit. Quick, powerful and dangerous in open play, he is a proven try-scorer who can make an impact from distance. Beyond the immediate boost to the 15s side, the Sharks see him as a long-term asset, particularly with the 7s season in mind.
In the second row, Mpande’s return brings calm and experience. Having previously played alongside Kivumbi and Mukili, his reunion with former teammates rekindles a partnership that has delivered silverware in the past at KOBs. Together with the experience of Charles Uhuru and the youthful energy of David Awan, the Sharks now have a balanced and dependable locking combination, especially in the set pieces.
There is also a boost from within the camp. Syrus Wathum, who has been part of the coaching setup, is set to return to the field, effectively giving the Sharks an extra reinforcement. Hooker has not been a weak spot, with Daniel Ebau and his deputy Dylan Ssewankambo performing solidly during the club’s first season in the top flight, but Wathum’s availability adds valuable depth and competition.
