Stanbic Black Pirates flyhalf William Nkore believes the team’s focus is squarely on securing a top playoffs slot as the reigning champions set their sights on winning the new-format Nile Special rugby championship.
This follows their weekend 29-21 victory over Walukuba Barbarians as Marvin Odong’s coached side remains one of the title favourites. Three converted penalties by flyhalf William Nkore, two tries from Pius Ojeabulu, along with tries from Roy Kizito and Jones Kamiza, ensured that defending champions Stanbic Black Pirates picked up their sixth win of the campaign.
While Leonard Lubambula’s charges put up a spirited display, with fullback Ivan Bulima, centres Shakim Ssembusi and Mathew Oluka, along with winger Gift Wokorach collecting points for the visitors, it was the home side that emerged victorious with a 29-21 win.
“The game against Walukuba was a tough challenge for us and it stretched us as a team both mentally and physically, so it was end-to-end stuff. Going forward, the team is improving and since our loss to the Mongers, we have been on an upward trajectory. We aim to finish the playoffs strongly and see who we’ll face there,” noted Nkore.
Walukuba Barbarians head coach Leonard Lubambula reflected on the game, saying, “It was a well-contested game against the defending champions, and we aimed to dominate the lineouts and open play collisions, which we did brilliantly. We kind of play the same style of rugby with hard runners and good handling skills, but we fell short on decision-making.”
“We conceded tries at crucial moments which we could have avoided with better communication. Regardless, we move on, and they had better decision-making than we did,” Lubambula revealed.
Nkore anticipates a tough challenge in the upcoming tie against Toyota Buffaloes this weekend, stating, “It’s a difficult game, and they are coming off a loss in Jinja, and with players like Aaron Tukei, they will come out guns blazing. But we are ready, and for us, every game is a final.”
In other games played, Jinja Hippos were 20-16 winners over Toyota Buffaloes at home, while KCB KOBs saw off Warriors 34-3. Impis lost 24-8 against Plascon Mongers in Makerere, while Life Guard Rams edged Kitante Eagles 16-12 in Kitante.
Tries by Morgan Odoch, Nicholas Kato, Scott Olwoch, and veteran winger Lawrence Ssebuliba guided Platinum Credit Heathens to a 26-12 victory over Rhinos at Kyadondo. Game week eight is set for this weekend, with matches spread across various venues, including the crunch tie between KCB Kobs and Platinum Credit Heathens.
