Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club secured a historic place in the Enterprise Cup final after a hard-fought 20-17 victory over Kenya’s Nondescripts RFC at Kings Park Arena on Saturday.
The semi-final attracted a large home crowd, with the Pirates carrying Uganda’s hopes in the competition following the earlier elimination of Heathens and Kobs.
Nondescripts made a strong start and took an early lead in a closely contested first half. The Pirates, however, responded with composure and resilience, drawing level at 10-10 before the break through a crucial conversion by William Nkore.
The hosts returned for the second half with greater intensity and attacking intent. Tries from Conrad Wanyama, Frank Kidega, Desire Ayera and Alex Aturinda highlighted a dominant spell that pushed the Pirates into the lead and lifted the home support.
Head coach Mervin Odongo’s tactical substitutions also proved decisive. The introduction of Haruna Muhammad and Umar Duff added energy and attacking pressure as the Pirates edged ahead in a tightly balanced contest.
Nondescripts mounted a late challenge, but the Pirates held firm to seal a narrow victory and confirm their place in the final of one of the region’s most prestigious rugby competitions.
The Pirates will face Kabras Sugar RFC in the final, after the Kenyan side defeated Menengai Oilers 29-18 in the other semi-final. The final will be played in Nairobi.
Sam Mwogeza, Stanbic Bank executive director, described the result as a significant milestone for both the club and its sponsors.
“As a bank committed to fostering Uganda’s growth, seeing clubs like Stanbic Black Pirates rise from participation to reaching the finals is something we deeply value. It reflects the drive needed to support socio-economic transformation, especially among women, youth and farmers,” Mwogeza said.
This will be the first time the Black Pirates play in the Enterprise Cup final, underlining their steady rise in regional rugby.
Odongo said his team is ready for the challenge ahead.
“We are going for the final and we are ready for the showdown. We know the team we are facing is strong, but we are not going there just to participate. We will give our best,” he said.
He added that the team will carry not only the ambitions of the club, but also the hopes of the country.
