Black Pirates are the last of four Ugandan teams that entered the Enterprise Cup at the quarterfinal stage.
The Bweyogerere boys put up a spirited performance against Kenyan powerhouse, Â KCB Rugby, to advance to the semifinal of the Enterprise Cup and book another home ground fixture. The other Ugandan sides in the Heathens, KOBs and Buffaloes fell to Kabras, Nondies, and Menengai Oilers, respectively.
For the love of Ugandan Rugby, the fans are expected to descend upon the Kings Park Arena in droves this Saturday to support the Black Pirates, and for most to enjoy the undeniable Rugby Chill experience at KPA.
Where do the Pirates thrive?
The Pirates seem to be doing everything right at the moment, but there are those areas of the game where they thrive the most.
The set piece
Whether at the scrum or the lineout, the Pirates have mastered the sweet science of retaining the ball and attacking straight off it with line-breaking set plays. Leading this revolution is the trusted front row of Ariho Muhumuza, Nathan Bwambale and Alema ‘Didi’ Ruhweza.
Although Ruhweza isn’t yet back to full fitness as we’ve known him in the years gone by, he has used the extra pounds he’s gained to his advantage in stabilising the scrum. In open play, he has barely been caught offside for a player who isn’t as mobile as he used to be. Additionally, Bwambale has mastered the 6-ball throw at the lineout and could find his jumper with his eyes closed.
When that forwards pack clicks this Saturday at set-piece time, it shall provide a platform for the flamboyant backline to shine.
Expansive play
The Black Pirates enjoy using the full width of the pitch. With the vast real estate at KPA, wingers like Jeremiah Okello, Roy Kizito and Allan Karuhanga often find themselves with acres of space to run into for an easy try next to the poles or in the corners. The crisp ball distribution of William Nkore, coupled with Timothy Kisiga’s awareness to join the attack as a second playmaker, often opens up gaps in the line of defence.
These attributes, coupled with line-breaking centres like Isaac Massa and Davis Shimwa, widen the pitch, catching the opponents napping or being caught offside after failing to track back. The Pirates are also not shy to put in an exit or attacking kick once moving the ball east, and west doesn’t open up gaps for them.
Tackle and turn over
The Pirates possess many tackling and jackalling threats, partly thanks to their Rugby 7s experience. Forwards like Frank Kidega and Moses Zziwa will tackle any moving object in front of them, while Alex Aturinda and Desire Ayera are never afraid to dig in for the turnover.
In the backs, be sure to catch Massa or Okello checking every ruck to protect or contest for the ball. Having possession is key for the Pirates, but regaining it is even more important to secure the win this Saturday.
Like them or hate them, the Black Pirates are all we have as Uganda, and we owe it to ourselves to go out and support them in full force against our noisy neighbours.