Black Pirates have intensified preparations ahead of the Enterprise Cup finale to be held on May 30 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
In the modern era of the Enterprise Cup, Pirates are the only Ugandan side to reach the finale of the tournament, and have the opportunity to make more history if they lift the trophy.
Last Sunday, the Black Pirates family launched a fundraising campaign where they invited fans, well-wishers and all lovers of Ugandan rugby to rally behind the Pirate Ship ahead of a historic sail to Nairobi.
The fundraising event was graced by current and former players, club leadership and the wider rugby community who pledged their support to the Pirates. The Uganda Rugby Union was represented by the Vice President, Eric Butime, who confirmed that URU will fully fund Black Pirates’ travel and accommodation for the final.
“We are very happy to have the Black Pirates representing Uganda in the relaunched Enterprise Cup. Very few people thought that Ugandans could upset the status quo and get a final spot, which has given the tournament viability from the Ugandan side and kept the interest going till the end. That is good for Rugby in East Africa,” Butime remarked.
Black Pirates are the only Ugandan side who advanced from the quarterfinal stage of the competition, which began with Heathens, Buffaloes and KOBs as the other representatives.
Since 2009, Ugandan sides had not participated in the competition, but on their return, Pirates have exceeded all expectations.
“We hope we can build upon this, going into next year and the years to come, and maybe when we host the final next year, we shall have a Ugandan team, or teams again. We look forward to an explosive finale.” Butime noted, additionally thanking the Kenya Rugby Union for being facilitative.
Team manager Isaac Kimeze used this event as an opportunity to announce the travelling 26-man squad to Nairobi.
After arrival in Nairobi, training and the captain’s run, the squad shall be trimmed down to the 23-player game-day team.
TRAVELING SQUAD
Forwards
- Alema Ruhweza
- Ivan Kabagambe
- Ariho Muhumuza
- Umar Duff
- Samuel lubwama
- Nathan Bwambale
- Sunday Jaguar
- Eliphaz Emong
- Frank Kidega – Vice Captain
- John Paul Atim
- Moses zziwa
- Sydney Gongodyo
- Humphrey Tashobya
- Alex Aturinda – Vice Captain
- Mubarak Wandera
Backs
- Conrad Wanyama – Vice Captain
- Stephen Alul
- William Nkore
- Eric Mula
- Davis Shimwa
- Allan Karuhanga
- Jeremiah Okello
- Pius Ojeabulu
- Timothy Kisiga
- Haruna Muhammad
- Isaac Massanganzira – Captain