Thunderbirds hit a bump in their title race when they lost to the Nile Rapids on the opening day of the 2026 women’s premiership.
The 22-13 loss to the reigning Uganda Cup winners only ignited a fire in the Kyadondo ladies, who have gone on to win three games in a row. The most impressive of these wins so far has been against the defending champions, the Black Pearls, who are also currently sitting on top of the table.
The women’s premiership title has eluded the Thunderbirds for the past four seasons, getting painfully close last season, but only losing out by a single point to the three-time holders, the Black Pearls.
This season, the Thunderbirds have already dealt with the Pearls at Kyadondo, but just like last season, they haven’t picked up the valuable bonus point at home.
Here comes the moment of truth. The Thunderbirds have to travel away to play a resurgent Avengers side in Entebbe, in a match that could either keep their title hopes alive or see an early exit from contention should they lose. The Black Pearls, on the other hand, host the Nile Rapids at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere, in a match that could swing either way.
Since the women’s premiership is played in a home and away league format, the Thunderbirds could very well make amends when they host the Nile Rapids in the second round, but for now, they have to win their game against the Avengers first.