Hippos aim to dethrone Black Pirates in rugby final

Nile Special Rugby Premiership
Final
Fixture
Saturday
Pirates v Hippos 3pm

The Jinja Hippos will need to come out firing on all cylinders if they are to unseat the Stanbic Black Pirates in the Nile Special Rugby Premiership final, set for tomorrow at Kings Park, Bweyogerere.

The Pirates are no strangers to this stage. After falling short in last year's final against the Heathens, they return with valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the pressure such an occasion brings.

For the Hippos, this marks their biggest opportunity yet in 15s rugby. Their most notable achievement so far is the 2023 National Sevens Rugby title—but everyone in the sport knows that 15s is the holy grail. A win here would surpass everything they’ve accomplished to date.

More than just silverware, the match represents a potential turning point for rugby in Eastern Uganda. A Hippos victory could rewrite the sport’s history in the region and elevate its popularity among mainstream sports.

“It would mean everything to us if we could go on and win the league,” said Hippos head coach Edmond Quaresma. “We believe we have everything to lose. This is a huge statement—not just for Ugandan rugby, but for rugby in Eastern Uganda. It would be the first time the premiership title leaves Kampala.”

The Pirates, however, are chasing their own legacy. A third league title is within reach, and head coach Marvin Odongo is eyeing his second championship in three years.

“It’s a final—both teams have just one shot,” said Odongo. “We’ve been consistent all season. That’s why we need to elevate again and stick to the formula that’s worked for us. Everyone has to be aligned and focused on the right things.”

The Hippos have leaned heavily on their dominant scrum, but standout individual performances have also powered their campaign. Yasin Wasswa has impressed with his sharp decision-making, while Aziz Baagalana’s improved box kicking was instrumental in their victory over KOBs and could be crucial against the Pirates.

Still, the Pirates boast some of the finest individual talents in the league—players who thrive on big occasions. The versatility and brilliance of Alex Aturinda, Frank Kidega, Timothy Kisiga, Jeremiah Okello, and Ivan Magomu offer Odongo a deep arsenal of game-changers.

With history on the line for both sides, tomorrow’s showdown at Kings Park promises to be a thrilling contest that will push both teams to their limits.