The Black Pirates started the 2026 premiership with a bang, securing a narrow 26-24 victory over traditional rivals the KOBs.
The highly anticipated match-up happened at the Kings Park Arena, with a fully packed crowd of fans, observers, and hate watchers.
For the first 8 minutes, when the game was still scoreless, one could cut the tension in the air using a blackboard ruler. In that period, even the experienced Nathan Bwambale threw the line out beyond his jumper before the nerves settled down.
Frank Kidega opened up the scoring in the first half after the Pirates had played some side-to-side, expansive rugby.
The Pirates were once again on the scoreboard through a Haruna Muhammad well-worked try. With ball in hand, Haruna noticed a mismatch on the wing and simply strolled past prop, Collins Kimbowa. Both tries were converted by William Nkore.
Before the break, the KOBs reduced the deficit through the joint effort of youngsters Jaffar Abdullah with a try and Rasul Abiriga with the conversion. This 7-point gap was short-lived as the Pirates once again extended their lead through an Eliphaz Emong try and Nkore conversion.
In the second half, the KOBs attempted to mount a comeback through an Abiriga penalty to bring the score to 21-10 for the hosts.
Unfortunately for the KOBs, that comeback was dealt a blow by a moment of hard work meeting luck for the Pirates. A missed penalty kick by William Nkore hit the crossbar and came back into play. This ball was gathered by a relentless Desire Ayera who dived over the whitewash.
This passage of play was the last attack from the Pirates, and it soon became a KOBs party. Impact substitutes Mike Otto and Faragi Odugo both got on the scoresheet for the KOBs, to restore some pride for the Naguru side. Abiriga’s successful conversion marked the end of the game, much to the cheer of the home team.
