Uganda Rugby Premiership giants Platinum Credit Heathens Rugby Football Club have unveiled Tolbert Onyango as their new head coach, marking the start of a new era for the country’s most successful rugby team.
Onyango takes over from veteran tactician Mohammad Athiyo, who stepped down after nearly a decade at the helm. During his tenure, Athiyo guided the Heathens to five league titles, three Uganda Cups, one Sevens Series championship, and two unbeaten seasons, including a memorable treble-winning campaign in 2023–24.
In an official club statement released on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Heathens said:
“Tolbert comes with proven pedigree and passion, ready to steer the Club through a transformative era — one grounded in our rich heritage, but reimagined to align with modern global rugby trends.”
The club added that Onyango’s leadership begins a new direction as they innovate both on and off the pitch to remain Uganda’s most competitive and relevant rugby brand.
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Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you our new of the Platinum Credit Heathens RFC.
With his leadership, we renew our charge with belief, with pride, and… pic.twitter.com/1orGqOVx3T
— HEATHENS RUGBY CLUB (@HeathensRFC) May 15, 2025
Onyango’s appointment comes in the wake of a tough 2024–25 season for the Heathens. After a dominant 2024 campaign that saw them win four major trophies, including the prestigious Masters Challenge, the team suffered a rare slump. They lost three consecutive matches a first in over ten years and were eliminated in the playoff semifinals.
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Their final match under Athiyo ended in a 25–19 loss to archrivals Stanbic Black Pirates on May 4 at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere. The 42–31 aggregate score saw the Pirates clinch their third straight Uganda Rugby Premiership title.
Despite initially planning to step down after the treble-winning season, Athiyo extended his stay to guide the club through the 2025 campaign. The Heathens recognized his sacrifice in their statement:
“In choosing to stay one more competition after a treble-winning season, Athiyo put Heathens ahead of personal milestones. We thank him deeply for that sacrifice.”
The club hinted that announcements regarding Onyango’s full coaching team will follow soon as the Heathens prepare for the next chapter in their illustrious journey.
