The Nile Rapids are on the cusp of changing the face of Uganda women’s rugby, should they beat the Thunderbirds on Saturday, May 17.
Should the Rapids win at Kyadondo, that victory would mark two major milestones in their rugby journey. First, the Rapids would have completed a season double over a powerhouse like Thunderbirds, and secondly, they would win the Women’s premiership for the first time in their history.
Regardless of the outcome of the match, Uganda rugby will have a new women’s league champion in the post-COVID era, after Black Pearls’ dominance.
All signs show that the Rapids are the favourites for the win and lifting of the trophy. The Rapids are represented in the Lady Cranes squad by four players, while the Thunderbirds have five players on the national team.
However, the Thunderbirds have several injured or recovering players within their squad, something the Rapids can capitalise on. Additionally, the five Thunderbirds players on the national team are all forwards, a department that would have given the Rapids a headache.
The Rapids have a secret weapon within their arsenal. Flyhalf Tina Akello has been training with the national team but isn’t available for selection due to academic commitments. Should she choose to continue representing her club, then the Thunderbirds are in trouble. She has previously demonstrated that she can do it on her own, but this time she has the support crew of players like Jemimah Namukose and Minat Namono.
On the other hand, the Thunderbirds can not simply be written off, especially at this stage of the league. They still have star players like Phillis Apio and Flavia Ayaa that can deliver the goods on any given match day.