Uganda Rugby Premiership side Platinum Credit Heathens Rugby Football Club have parted ways with head coach Mohammad Athiyo, officially concluding his near-decade-long tenure at the helm of Uganda’s most successful rugby club.
A former player for the Heathens, Athiyo transitioned into coaching in 2016 and was just shy of completing ten years in charge.
In a heartfelt announcement, the club stated:
“Our HEAD COACH Mohammed Athiyo calls it a wrap. It has been such an incredibly amazing journey with you, Coach Athiyo, from 2016 – 2025.
✅ 2 Unbeaten seasons.
✅ 1 Treble.
✅ 5 League titles.
✅ 3 Uganda Cups.
✅ 1 Sevens championship.”
Athiyo’s contributions to the club’s success are undeniable. Under his leadership, the Heathens secured five league titles, three Uganda Cups, and one Sevens Series championship.
Notably, he guided the team through two unbeaten seasons, culminating in a historic treble during the 2023–24 campaign.
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Throughout his tenure, Athiyo nurtured three generations of players at the Kyadondo-based club, ensuring continuity and maintaining the Heathens’ dominance in Ugandan rugby. The club’s lowest finish under his leadership was fifth place in the 2017–18 season, just a year after he took over.
His departure comes after a challenging 2024–25 season. Following a dominant 2024 campaign where they clinched four trophies, including the prestigious Masters Challenge the Heathens endured a difficult period, suffering three consecutive losses for the first time in a decade.
Although they managed a top-four finish in the regular season, their title defense ended prematurely in the playoff semifinals.
Athiyo’s final match in charge was a hard-fought semifinal against rivals Stanbic Black Pirates, where the Heathens lost 25–19.
This defeat at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere on May 4, 2025, sealed their elimination from title contention after an aggregate loss of 42–31.
