Black Pirates vs Kobs used to be a fierce Legends derby until 2018 when the former found home in Bweyogerere. But the rivalry stayed as fierce as ever. If anything, it became more intense as Pirates’ infant fanbase grew.
This weekend’s clash is a must-watch. It is this season’s top-of-the-table clash. And most likely, as is always the tradition during such matches, the champion will be either of these teams.
For the neutral fan, it does not get more entertaining than this. Two of the best coaching systems fielding two of the best-assembled teams in Ugandan rugby.
The finest forwards coach in the country Brian Makalama will relish a challenge from Marvin Odongo, a young coach who was once Uganda’s best forward.
Kobs play a style dominated by skilled forwards with heavy carries while Pirates’ DNA leans towards silky backs with flashy moves. Year in and year out, these two have dealt their best cards and today afternoon will be no different. Black Pirates and Kobs will serve a dose of sweet memories and hints of bright futures, not just for club but country too.
Wondering what to look out for on the turf from 3 p.m. until the full-time whistle? I have identified the following mini-contests to take note of:
Rookie prop Frank Kakula has been phenomenal at tighthead thus far. He faces a smart scrummager Alema Ruhweza in the setpiece which is likely to define the match’s outcome.
In the second row, Umar Duff locks with Emmanuel Ecodu who has seen it all in Ugandan rugby.
The looseforward combination is where the real buck is. Tolbert Onyango’s blue-eyed boys Desire Ayera and Alex Aturinda going up against Byron Oketayot and Pius Ogena who were there before them.
An unlikely halfback combination of Josaiah Ssempeke and James Ijongat for the visitors will be up against a tricky Stephen Alul and Ivan Magomu pairing. While Magomu is a tried and tested flyhalf against any opposition, Ijongat can work some magic on his good day.
The dose of sweet memories comes in speedster Lawrence Wakabi returning from a six-year hiatus. Wakabi partners with electric finisher Karim Arinaitwe who has already booked his jersey on the national team for many years.
The two wingers have Moses Olweny and Paul Bagota to counter this exciting pairing in the back three. Unlike their fellow youngster Arinaitwe, Olweny and Bagota are still writing the first chapters of their careers.
Full Matchday Six Fixtures
Across the Nile, friends become foes in the Jinja Derby between Walukuba Barbarians and Hippos at the Abel Dhaira Stadium. The former are on their way up while Hippos are still steadying their feet after a poor start to the season.
Current holders Heathens, on the back of a huge statement win against Impis, welcome struggling Makerere tenants Rams to their slaughter yard.
Impis on the other hand will attempt to spring back from the corner into which they were pushed by Heathens when they brace for the latter’s siblings Buffaloes.
The final match on the card this weekend will be between Rhinos and Mongers at Legends. Two clubs who despite having never won the championship used to be rugby powerhouses in the past but have since succumbed to the twist of fate.
- 3 p.m.: Black Pirates vs Kobs at Kings Park Bweyogerere
- 4 p.m.: Rhinos vs Mongers at Legends
- 4 p.m.: Heathens vs Rams at Kyadondo
- 4 p.m.: Impis vs Buffaloes at The Graveyard, Makerere
- 4 p.m.: Walukuba Barbarians vs Jinja Hippos at Abel Dhaira Stadium, Walukuba.