On the occasion of his testimonial match at Kyadondo Rugby Club this Saturday, Michael Wokorach put his most-valued match-worn jersey up for auction.
The jersey in question is the number 6 red shirt worn during the 2022 Rugby World Cup 7s in Cape Town where Wokorach inspired Uganda to winning the Bowl (ninth place finish).
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After an equally entertaining and competitive auction, the jersey was bought for UGX 5 million by a one Wyclif (full names withheld for privacy) known as “Ssalongo” amongst his peers and fellow rugby fans.
A visibly excited Ssalongo received the precious jersey; signed by Wokorach on the front left chest section and fixed in a glass frame for display.
The Testimonial Match Itself
Michael Wokorach’s testimonial match, dubbed ‘Gonya’s Last Run’, kicked off a few minutes past 4 p.m. after Wokorach had walked through a tunnel formed by the players and ran onto the soggy Kyadondo pitch alone, to a thunderous applause from everyone in attendance.
Wokorach played for ‘Team Gonya’ in the first half and then the ‘UG All Stars’ for the first twenty minutes of the second half. He then switched back to Team Gonya for the remainder of the match.
Team Gonya emerged victorious, by 22-16 points. Unfortunately, Wokorach did not score any points in the match— he attempted a conversion but it went far wide off the posts. Nonetheless, there were moments where he showcased his array of skills on defence and attack.
All players and officials received beautiful custom-made medals for taking part in this match.
Wokorach said goodbye in his speech delivered with happiness and a heavy heart. He handed out gifts, plaques, and certificates to his former clubs, coaches, administrators and union, partners and sponsors, and all those who contributed in a special way to his rugby career.
He also received gifts from former teammates and opponents, clubs, fans, partners and sponsors.
Wokorach then hosted his colleagues and friends to a dinner from where he joined his fans in the after-party. A fireworks display lit up the skies as the celebrations went on into the night.
