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For the last four years, dating back to 2022, the Enterprise Rugby Cup has been won by Kenyan side, Kabras Sugar.
This is how dominant Kabras has been over the rest of its Kenyan opposition against whom they have competed more prominently since the Enterprise Cup’s inception in 1929. Kabras boasts of such grand history in the Enterprise Cup, aided more particularly by the fact that they are a team with so many Kenyan internationals, in both the Sevens and 15s game.
That is what Uganda’s Stanbic Black Pirates, who travel to Nairobi this weekend for their maiden Enterprise Cup final will be up against; a team that crushed their compatriots, Heathens in the quarter-finals, 61-19 in March. Daniel Abaasa, a fan of the Pirates is excited about the prospects that lie ahead.
He said: “Following what we have done already, beating two other Kenyan sides, KCB Rugby and the Nondies, who are the record champions of the Enterprise Cup, we believe in our team. There has been so much growth realized in this team over the years, and therefore, nothing is beyond us.”
So much of the Pirates belief is hinged on the fact that just a few weeks ago, when Kabras faced off with KCB rugby in the Kenya Cup final, the result was 14-8 in favour of the former. No doubt it was a tight game, but one that actually elevates Pirates’ belief to win the final for the first time.
But it should be noted that Kabras just completed a fifth successive Kenya Cup victory, a pointer to how consistently strong they are, and no doubt, will be favourites going into the Enterprise Cup final.
Playing at home does boost that fact significantly, although, as Abaasa mentioned, the Pirates fans will be travelling in numbers to create a morale boosting atmosphere for their team.
A lot about this clash has been dubbed as a Kenya versus Uganda affair, suggesting that many other Ugandan fans are expected to make the journey to Ngong road, the ground where the final will be played.
But also, Abaasa outlined the fact that he has received orders for the Pirates jersey from some Kenyan rugby fans. Essentially, that means Pirates will have support from Kenyans who loathe Kabras.
However, with all said and done, the on-field action is what will matter most. The players must perform. It is a game that means a lot to Abaasa and many of his ilk.
He said: “The Enterprise Cup is so huge and prestigious. Winning it will give our team the international recognition it is working towards.”
Black Pirates’ scrumhalf Conrad Wanyama evades the tackle of a Nondies opponent beforemaking a winning try in the Enterprise Cup semifinal at King’s Park Arena
After the semi-final victory over the Nondies, Pirates coach Marvin Odongo re-echoed what he had been saying all along regarding what it takes to win tough encounters. In his view, it all starts in the head, and having a positive attitude towards the job at hand.
For sure, not many people gave Pirates a chance of reaching the finals, especially considering the expected strength, experience and pedigree Kenyan sides have over their Ugandan counterparts.
Over the years, it has shown that Kenya normally has an edge over Uganda in rugby. Yet, Odongo’s message has been: “It does not matter what shortcomings we may have. The important thing is using what we have and always giving our best. There is no Kenyan opponent that we played against whom we were bigger than physically. But we still went out there and competed, and earned our spot in the final.”
Against KCB Rugby and the Nondies, the Pirates were clearly the smaller side. But their will and determination to win has been the outstanding virtue. Incidentally, the kind of defence Pirates have showcased in the Enterprise Cup games has been way and above what they have showcased in the domestic league.
There has been a suggestion that Pirates have been more fired up for the international competition than they have shown in other competitions. This has been projected by their can-do attitude throughout.
Imagine, during the semi-finals against the Nondies, two of their key players, including captain Issac Massanganzira and Eliphaz Emong were unavailable due to other rugby commitments.
While this was worrying for a host of their faithful, Odongo was unfazed. The others stepped up and did the job. In fact, vice-captain Frank Kidega summed it up well then: “This team continues to not only show squad depth. But the quality and fight to the end. Good institutions do not just depend on individuals. But the system and structure laid is most important, to ensure sustained success.”
For the final, however, only Desire Ayera is expected to miss, following an injury he suffered to his jaw during a league game. Otherwise, Pirates are armed to the teeth, to re-write history. For Abaasa, and probably a host of Pirates fans, the clash against Kabras is the most important game in Pirates history!
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Related
, https://observer.ug/sports/can-black-pirates-beat-the-odds-against-kabras-sugar-in-the-enterprise-cup-final/
