The Uganda U19 Rugby Cranes team host Senegal in the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Under-19 tier 1B tournament at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds today, looking for redemption following their 27-12 loss to the Kenya U19 side in the 2014 Elgon Cup.
If the Rugby Cranes beat Senegal, they will head straight to the finals of this particular competition to battle the winner of the other semi final between Madagascar and Zambia. The team to be crowned Champion is to gain qualification to a better tier 1A while the last team is tier 1C relegation bound.
Coach Robert Seguya returns to the spotlight after losing this year’s inaugural Protector Rugby Super Series to the Crocs franchise, succumbing to defeat at the hands of Kololo S.S in the schools rugby and the Kenya U19 in the Elgon Cup final. His team has been camping at Hana Mixed School according to reports and is set to compete for top spot.
Uganda are hosting this competition for the first time since 2007 and Rwenzori Bottling Company have sponsored it with an amount close to 10 million Uganda Shillings.
The Senegal side coached by Papis Kinder arrived in Uganda on Tuesday morning having finalized preparations for this tournament that commenced in December last year.
Their journey to Uganda was to be halted following the severe Ebola Outbreak in West Africa, but the side along with the Senegal Rugby Federation secured the permission to travel after long discussions with the Confederation of African Rugby and Uganda Rugby Union.
Madagascar also face Zambia in the other semi final fixture today. The losers will meet to scramble for 3rd place on Saturday. Three referees have been appointed by the Confederation of African Rugby to take charge of the proceedings in Kampala.
CAR U19 1B
Wednesday, 27th August
Kyadondo Rugby Grounds
Semi Final 1: Madagascar Vs Zambia, 2.30pm
Semi Final 2: Uganda Vs Senegal, 4.30pm